U.S. patent application number 15/052270 was filed with the patent office on 2016-08-25 for mattress with adjustable firmness.
This patent application is currently assigned to Select Comfort Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Select Comfort Corporation. Invention is credited to Jerry Boyer, Samuel Hellfeld, Carl Hewitt, Kody Lee Karschnik, Rob Nunn, Wade Daniel Palashewski, Eric Rose, Steven Jay Young.
Application Number | 20160242562 15/052270 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56692903 |
Filed Date | 2016-08-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160242562 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Karschnik; Kody Lee ; et
al. |
August 25, 2016 |
Mattress with Adjustable Firmness
Abstract
A mattress can include one or more layers of foam material, an
adjustable air layer including an air bladder, and a valve. The
valve can be fluidically connected to the air bladder and
configured to regulate pressure of the air bladder in response to
actuation. Some embodiments can include a foam material positioned
inside the air bladder.
Inventors: |
Karschnik; Kody Lee; (Maple
Grove, MN) ; Palashewski; Wade Daniel; (Andover,
MN) ; Nunn; Rob; (Eden Prairie, MN) ; Rose;
Eric; (Easley, SC) ; Hellfeld; Samuel;
(Minneapolis, MN) ; Boyer; Jerry; (Minneapolis,
MN) ; Young; Steven Jay; (Los Gatos, CA) ;
Hewitt; Carl; (San Jose, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Select Comfort Corporation |
Minneapolis |
MN |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Select Comfort Corporation
Minneapolis
MD
|
Family ID: |
56692903 |
Appl. No.: |
15/052270 |
Filed: |
February 24, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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14740832 |
Jun 16, 2015 |
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15052270 |
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62120294 |
Feb 24, 2015 |
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62254383 |
Nov 12, 2015 |
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62273764 |
Dec 31, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 27/083 20130101;
A47C 27/088 20130101; A47C 27/084 20130101; A47C 27/082
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47C 27/08 20060101
A47C027/08; B65D 81/20 20060101 B65D081/20 |
Claims
1-52. (canceled)
53. A mattress comprising: one or more layers of foam material; an
adjustable air layer positioned adjacent at least one of the one or
more layers of foam material, the adjustable air layer comprising:
an air bladder; and an open-cell foam material positioned inside
the air bladder and configured to bias the air bladder to an
inflated position when the open-cell foam material is exposed to
atmospheric pressure; and a valve system fluidically connected to
the air bladder and configured to regulate the air bladder.
54. The mattress of claim 53, wherein the open-cell foam material
is adhered to an inner surface of the air bladder at a top surface
of the open-cell foam material and the open-cell foam material is
adhered to the inner surface of the air bladder at a bottom surface
of the open-cell foam material.
55. The mattress of claim 53, wherein the open-cell foam material
is adhered to an inner surface of the air bladder via a layer of
laminate material.
56. The mattress of claim 53, wherein the one or more layers of
foam material comprise a support layer comprising a first foam
material and a comfort layer comprising a second foam material
different than the first foam material, wherein the adjustable air
layer is positioned between the support layer and the comfort
layer, wherein the mattress further comprises a cover enclosing the
support layer, the adjustable air layer, and the comfort layer with
the comfort layer positioned above the adjustable air layer for
supporting a user.
57. The mattress of claim 53, and further comprising a user
detection system operably connected to the mattress to detect a
user on a surface of a mattress, the user detection system
comprising a pressure sensor fluidically connected to the air
bladder for sensing pressure changes within the air bladder and a
controller in communication with the pressure sensor for receiving
pressure signals from the pressure sensor, wherein the user
detection system is configured to detect presence of a person on a
surface of the mattress by detecting a change in air pressure at
the pressure sensor.
58. The mattress of claim 53, and further comprising a user
detection system that comprises: a pressure sensing chamber
substantially hermetically sealed from the air bladder; a pressure
sensor fluidically connected to the pressure sensing chamber for
sensing pressure changes within the pressure sensing chamber; and a
controller in communication with the pressure sensor for receiving
pressure signals from the pressure sensor.
59. The mattress of claim 58, wherein the pressure sensing chamber
is positioned inside the air bladder, the pressure sensing chamber
is spaced from both a head and a foot of the mattress, nearer the
head than the foot at a mattress location corresponding to a
location of a heart and lungs of a typical user.
60. The mattress of claim 53, wherein the valve system comprises a
valve that is actuable between an open position that allows air
flow to and from the air bladder through the valve and a closed
position that substantially seals the air bladder, wherein the
mattress is configured such that air is forced out of the air
bladder when a person is resting on a surface of the mattress and
the valve is in the open position, wherein air is drawn into the
air bladder when there is little or no weight resting on the
mattress and the valve is in the open position, and wherein the air
bladder is substantially sealed when a person is resting on a
surface of the mattress and the valve is in the closed
position.
61. The mattress of claim 60, wherein the valve is actuable between
the open position and the closed position by user manipulation.
62. The mattress of claim 60, wherein the valve is actuable between
the open position and the closed position by an electronic
controller.
63. An assembly comprising: the mattress of claim 53, wherein the
mattress is folded upon itself in a shippable position to reduce a
dimension of the mattress in at least one direction; and packaging
configured to compress and retain the mattress such that each of
the air bladder, the open-cell foam material, and the one or more
layers of foam material are compressed.
64. The assembly of claim 63, wherein the packaging comprises a
vacuum-sealed bag surrounding and compressing the mattress and a
cardboard box having a combined length and girth of 165 inches
(about 419 centimeters) or less enclosing the vacuum-sealed bag and
the mattress.
65. The mattress of claim 53, wherein the valve system comprises a
mechanical valve comprising a disc, a biasing member, and an
adjuster, wherein the biasing member biases the disc toward a
closed position that substantially seals the manually-actuated
valve and wherein the adjuster comprises a threaded dial that is
adjustable to selectively increase and decrease biasing force
exerted by the biasing member on the disc.
66. The mattress of claim 53, wherein the valve system comprises a
controller and a valve configured to open and close in response to
signals from the controller to control air pressure in the air
bladder, wherein the controller comprises a processors and a
computer memory.
67. The mattress of claim 66, wherein the mattress is configured to
inflate the adjustable air layer via force exerted by the open-cell
foam material on the air bladder and to deflate the adjustable air
layer via weight of the user laying on the mattress, and wherein
the mattress does not include a blower connected to the air bladder
or valve system.
68. The mattress of claim 66, wherein the controller is configured
to regulate the air bladder between a first pressure substantially
equal to ambient atmospheric air and a second pressure set
according to a user's selected firmness setting.
69. The mattress of claim 53, wherein the open-cell foam material
defines a recess positioned proximate the outlet of the air
bladder.
70. The mattress of claim 53, and further comprising a fitting
element having one or more spacers to space the fitting element and
an outlet of the air bladder from the open-cell foam material.
71. A substrate, comprising: a fluid bladder; a foam core disposed
within the fluid bladder; one or more sensors in fluid
communication with the fluid bladder; a valve having an open
position allowing fluid communication between atmosphere and an
interior of the fluid bladder and the foam core and a closed
position blocking fluid communication between atmosphere and the
interior of the fluid bladder and the foam core; and a processor
configured to: detect, based on signals from the one or more
sensors, presence of a subject on the substrate; in response to
detection of the presence of the subject, set firmness of the
substrate to a base firmness equalized with atmospheric pressure;
in response to receiving a request to modify the firmness of the
substrate from the base firmness to a requested firmness, set the
firmness of the substrate to the requested firmness; detect absence
of the subject on the substrate; and in response to detection of
the absence of the subject, restore the firmness of the substrate
from the requested firmness to the base firmness.
72. The substrate of claim 71, wherein setting the firmness of the
substrate to the base firmness in response to detection of the
presence of the subject includes setting the valve to the closed
position.
73. The substrate of claim 71, wherein setting the firmness of the
substrate to the requested firmness includes setting the valve to
the open position only for a predetermined time period, the
predetermined time period being sufficient to lower the pressure
within the fluid bladder and reduce the firmness of the substrate
to the requested firmness.
74. The substrate of claim 71, wherein restoring the firmness of
the substrate from the requested firmness to the base firmness
includes setting the valve to the open position such that the foam
core fully expands within the fluid bladder.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The entire contents of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.
62/120,294, entitled "Mattress with Manually Adjustable Firmness,"
filed on Feb. 24, 2015 are herein incorporated by reference. The
entire contents of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.
62/254,383, entitled "Mattress with Adjustable Firmness," filed on
Nov. 12, 2015 are herein incorporated by reference. The entire
contents of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/273,764,
entitled "Mattress with Adjustable Firmness," filed on Dec. 31,
2015 are herein incorporated by reference. The entire contents of
U.S. application Ser. No. 14/740,832, entitled "Device and Method
of Automated Substrate Control and Non-Intrusive Subject
Monitoring," filed on Jun. 16, 2015 are herein incorporated by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates to beds, and more particularly to
adjustable beds.
BACKGROUND
[0003] People have traditionally used beds that come in many
shapes, sizes, and styles. Such beds can range from extremely
simple designs to rather complex designs that include a variety of
features. Some beds commonly include a mattress, a box-spring, and
a frame. Such bed items can be shipped from a factory to a store or
home, but are relatively large and bulky.
[0004] For example, mattresses come in a variety of styles
including those with innerspring systems or those with adjustable
air bladders. Such mattresses are typically shipped in large
delivery trucks, either lying flat or standing on an edge. In
either case, such mattresses are rather large and bulky, often
requiring specialized delivery service. This can add to the cost
and complexity of delivering a mattress from a factory to a retail
store and ultimately to a consumer.
SUMMARY
[0005] Some embodiments of a mattress and related assemblies can
include one or more of the features and functions disclosed herein.
Some embodiments can include a mattress having an inflatable
bladder that can inflate to a desired pressure without the use of a
pump or blower. The mattress can include an open-cell foam material
positioned inside the air bladder and configured to bias the air
bladder to an inflated position. The open-cell foam material can be
laminated to the air bladder to retain shape and improve
functionality of the open-cell foam material as it relates to the
air bladder. A user can selectively set a desired firmness of the
mattress, by actuating an electronic or mechanical valve. A
controller can remember the user's selected firmness setting and
can automatically adjust firmness of the mattress to the user's
selected firmness setting. User sensing systems can be included in
the mattress, which can sense user presence, heartbeat, breathing,
motion, or the like. The mattress, including the bladder and foam
material inside, can be compressed and shipped in standard shipping
boxes. Implementations can include any, all, or none of the
following features.
[0006] In general, one innovative aspect of the subject matter
described in this specification can be embodied in a mattress
including a support layer, a comfort layer, and an adjustable air
layer. The support layer can include a first foam material and the
comfort layer can include a second foam material. The adjustable
air layer can be positioned between the support layer and the
comfort layer and can include an air bladder and an open-cell foam
material positioned inside the air bladder. The open-cell foam
material can be configured to bias the air bladder to an inflated
position when the open-cell foam material is exposed to atmospheric
pressure. A manually-actuated valve can be fluidically connected to
the air bladder and configured to regulate pressure of the air
bladder in response to manual actuation. A user detection system
can be operably connected to the mattress to detect a user on a
surface of a mattress.
[0007] Implementations can include any, all, or none of the
following features. The user detection system includes a pressure
sensor fluidically connected to the air bladder for sensing
pressure changes within the air bladder and a controller in
communication with the pressure sensor for receiving pressure
signals from the pressure sensor. The user detection system is
configured to detect presence of a person on a surface of the
mattress by detecting a change in air pressure at the pressure
sensor. A fluid passage is fluidically connecting the
manually-actuated valve to the air bladder. The pressure sensor is
positioned interior of a fabric cover that substantially surrounds
and encloses the support layer, the comfort layer, and the
adjustable air layer, the controller is positioned in a dongle
housing exterior of the fabric cover, and the controller is
electrically connected to the pressure sensor via a cable. The user
detection system is configured to detect pressure changes due to a
biological indicator of the user selected from a group consisting
of heartbeat and respiration. The user detection system includes a
pressure sensing chamber, a pressure sensor fluidically connected
to the pressure sensing chamber for sensing pressure changes within
the pressure sensing chamber, and a controller in communication
with the pressure sensor for receiving pressure signals from the
pressure sensor. The pressure sensing chamber is substantially
hermetically sealed from the air bladder. The pressure sensing
chamber is positioned inside the air bladder. The pressure sensing
chamber is spaced from both a head and a foot of the mattress,
nearer the head than the foot at a mattress location corresponding
to a location of a heart and lungs of a typical user. The pressure
sensing chamber is positioned external to the air bladder. The
pressure sensing chamber has substantially the same length and
width as that of the air bladder. A fabric cover is substantially
surrounding and enclosing the support layer, the comfort layer, and
the adjustable air layer, the adjustable air layer is adhered to
the support layer and the comfort layer, the open-cell foam
material is adhered to the air bladder at least on top and bottom
surfaces of the open-cell foam material, and the fabric cover is
adhered to at least one of the comfort layer and the support layer.
The manually-actuated valve is manually actuable between an open
position that allows air flow to and from the air bladder through
the manually-actuated valve and a closed position that
substantially seals the air bladder. The mattress is configured
such that air is forced out of the air bladder when a person is
resting on a surface of the mattress and the manually-actuated
valve is in the open position, air is drawn into the air bladder
when there is little or no weight resting on the mattress and the
manually-actuated valve is in the open position, and the air
bladder is substantially sealed when a person is resting on a
surface of the mattress and the manually-actuated valve is in the
closed position. The manually-actuated valve is a variable pressure
valve that is actuable to set a pressure threshold, the
manually-actuated valve resists air flow through the
manually-actuated valve when pressure in the air bladder is below
the pressure threshold, and the manually-actuated valve allows air
flow from the air bladder through the manually-actuated valve when
pressure in the air bladder is above the pressure threshold. The
manually-actuated valve comprises a disc, a biasing member, and an
adjuster, wherein the biasing member biases the disc toward a
closed position that substantially seals the manually-actuated
valve and wherein the adjuster is adjustable to selectively
increase and decrease biasing force exerted by the biasing member
on the disc. The disc comprises a ball, wherein the biasing member
comprises a spring, and wherein the adjuster comprises a threaded
dial. An assembly includes the mattress which is folded upon itself
in a shippable position to reduce a dimension of the mattress in at
least one direction and packaging configured to compress and retain
the mattress such that each of the support layer, comfort layer,
and the adjustable air layer are compressed. The assembly with the
mattress folded into a helical roll. The assembly with the mattress
folded alternately with multiple creases. The assembly with the
packaging including a vacuum-sealed bag surrounding and compressing
the mattress. The assembly with the packaging including a cardboard
box having a combined length and girth of 165 inches (about 419
centimeters) or less enclosing the vacuum-sealed bag and the
mattress. The packaging has a combined length and girth of 165
inches (about 419 centimeters) or less.
[0008] In another embodiment, an assembly can include a mattress
and packaging. The mattress can include one or more layers of foam
material and an adjustable air layer including an air bladder. The
adjustable air layer can be configured to be biased to an inflated
position when the air bladder is exposed to atmospheric pressure. A
manually-actuated valve can be fluidically connected to the air
bladder and configured to regulate pressure of the air bladder in
response to manual actuation. The packaging can compress and retain
the mattress such that the one or more layers of foam and the
adjustable air layer are compressed. The mattress can be folded or
rolled upon itself in a shippable position with the air bladder in
a substantially deflated position.
[0009] Implementations can include any, all, or none of the
following features. The adjustable air layer comprises an open-cell
foam material positioned inside the air bladder and configured to
bias the air bladder to the inflated position. The mattress is
folded into a helical roll. The mattress is folded alternately with
multiple creases. The packaging comprises a vacuum-sealed bag
surrounding and compressing the mattress. The packaging further
comprises a cardboard box having a combined length and girth of 165
inches (about 419 centimeters) or less enclosing the vacuum-sealed
bag and the mattress. The packaging has a combined length and girth
of 165 inches (about 419 centimeters) or less. The mattress
includes a user detection system having a pressure sensor
fluidically connected to the air bladder for sensing pressure
changes within the air bladder and a controller in communication
with the pressure sensor for receiving pressure signals from the
pressure sensor. The user detection system is configured to detect
presence of a person on a surface of the mattress by detecting a
change in air pressure at the pressure sensor. The user detection
system is configured to detect pressure changes due to a biological
indicator of the user selected from a group consisting of heartbeat
and respiration. The user detection system includes a pressure
sensing chamber, a pressure sensor fluidically connected to the
pressure sensing chamber for sensing pressure changes within the
pressure sensing chamber, and a controller in communication with
the pressure sensor for receiving pressure signals from the
pressure sensor. The pressure sensing chamber is substantially
hermetically sealed from the air bladder. The pressure sensing
chamber is positioned inside the air bladder. The pressure sensing
chamber is spaced from both a head and a foot of the mattress,
nearer the head than the foot at a mattress location corresponding
to a location of a heart and lungs of a typical user. The pressure
sensing chamber is positioned external to the air bladder and below
the air bladder. The pressure sensing chamber has substantially the
same length and width as that of the air bladder. A fabric cover
substantially is surrounding and enclosing the one or more layers
of foam material and the adjustable air layer, the adjustable air
layer is adhered to the one or more layers of foam material and the
fabric cover is adhered to at least one of the adjustable air layer
or the one or more layers of foam material. The manually-actuated
valve is manually actuable between an open position that allows air
flow to and from the air bladder through the manually-actuated
valve and a closed position that substantially seals the air
bladder. The mattress is configured such that air is forced out of
the air bladder when a person is resting on a surface of the
mattress and the manually-actuated valve is in the open position,
wherein air is drawn into the air bladder when there is little or
no weight resting on the mattress and the manually-actuated valve
is in the open position, and wherein the air bladder is
substantially sealed when a person is resting on a surface of the
mattress and the manually-actuated valve is in the closed position.
The manually-actuated valve is a variable pressure valve that is
actuable to set a pressure threshold, wherein the manually-actuated
valve resists air flow through the manually-actuated valve when
pressure in the air bladder is below the pressure threshold, and
wherein the manually-actuated valve allows air flow from the air
bladder through the manually-actuated valve when pressure in the
air bladder is above the pressure threshold. The manually-actuated
valve comprises a disc, a biasing member, and an adjuster, wherein
the biasing member biases the disc toward a closed position that
substantially seals the manually-actuated valve and wherein the
adjuster is adjustable to selectively increase and decrease biasing
force exerted by the biasing member on the disc. The disc comprises
a ball, the biasing member comprises a spring, and the adjuster
comprises a threaded dial.
[0010] In another embodiment, a mattress can include one or more
layers of foam material, an adjustable air layer, and a user
detection system. The adjustable air layer can include an air
bladder sized to support a user laying on the mattress. The user
detection system can be operably connected to the mattress to
detect a user on a surface of a mattress. The user detection system
can include a pressure sensing chamber, a pressure sensor
fluidically connected to the pressure sensing chamber for sensing
pressure changes within the pressure sensing chamber, and a
controller in communication with the pressure sensor for receiving
pressure signals from the pressure sensor.
[0011] In another embodiment, a mattress can include one or more
layers of foam material, an adjustable air layer including an air
bladder, and a manually actuated valve fluidically connected to the
air bladder. The adjustable air layer can be configured to be
biased to an inflated position when the air bladder is exposed to
atmospheric pressure. The manually-actuated valve can be configured
to regulate pressure of the air bladder in response to manual
actuation. The manually-actuated valve can be a variable pressure
valve that is actuable to set a pressure threshold. The
manually-actuated valve can resist air flow through the
manually-actuated valve when pressure in the air bladder is below
the pressure threshold. The manually-actuated valve can allow air
flow from the air bladder through the manually-actuated valve when
pressure in the air bladder is above the pressure threshold.
[0012] Implementations can include any, all, or none of the
following features. The manually-actuated valve includes a disc, a
biasing member, and an adjuster, wherein the biasing member biases
the disc toward a closed position that substantially seals the
manually-actuated valve and wherein the adjuster is adjustable to
selectively increase and decrease biasing force exerted by the
biasing member on the disc. The disc comprises a ball, wherein the
biasing member comprises a spring, and wherein the adjuster
comprises a threaded dial. An inlet valve fluidically connected to
the air bladder and configured to allow air flow through the inlet
valve into the air bladder and reduce flow out of the air bladder
through the inlet valve. The one or more layers of foam material
comprises an open-cell foam material positioned inside the air
bladder and configured to bias the air bladder to an inflated
position. The manually-actuated valve can be actuated between a
discrete number of pressure settings that are indicative of
mattress firmness.
[0013] In another embodiment, a mattress includes one or more
layers of foam material. The mattress further includes an
adjustable air layer positioned adjacent at least one of the one or
more layers of foam material. The adjustable air layer includes an
air bladder and an open-cell foam material positioned inside the
air bladder and configured to bias the air bladder to an inflated
position when the open-cell foam material is exposed to atmospheric
pressure. The mattress further includes a valve system fluidically
connected to the air bladder and configured to regulate pressure of
the air bladder.
[0014] Implementations can include any, all, or none of the
following features. The open-cell foam material is adhered to an
inner surface of the air bladder at a top surface of the open-cell
foam material and the open-cell foam material is adhered to the
inner surface of the air bladder at a bottom surface of the
open-cell foam material. The open-cell foam material is adhered to
an inner surface of the air bladder via a layer of laminate
material. The open-cell foam material is laminated to an inner
surface of the air bladder at six surfaces of the open-cell foam
material, including top, bottom, and side surfaces of the open-cell
foam material. The one or more layers of foam material include a
support layer comprising a first foam material and a comfort layer
comprising a second foam material different than the first foam
material, wherein the an adjustable air layer is positioned between
the support layer and the comfort layer, wherein the mattress
further includes a cover enclosing the support layer, the
adjustable air layer, and the comfort layer with the comfort layer
positioned above the adjustable air layer for supporting a user.
The mattress further comprising a user detection system operably
connected to the mattress to detect a user on a surface of a
mattress the user detection system comprising a pressure sensor
fluidically connected to the air bladder for sensing pressure
changes within the air bladder and a controller in communication
with the pressure sensor for receiving pressure signals from the
pressure sensor, wherein the user detection system is configured to
detect presence of a person on a surface of the mattress by
detecting a change in air pressure at the pressure sensor. The user
detection system is configured to detect presence of a person on a
surface of the mattress by detecting presence of biosignals. The
user detection system includes a pressure sensing chamber; a
pressure sensor fluidically connected to the pressure sensing
chamber for sensing pressure changes within the pressure sensing
chamber; and a controller in communication with the pressure sensor
for receiving pressure signals from the pressure sensor. The
pressure sensing chamber is substantially hermetically sealed from
the air bladder, the pressure sensing chamber is positioned inside
the air bladder, the pressure sensing chamber is spaced from both a
head and a foot of the mattress, nearer the head than the foot at a
mattress location corresponding to a location of a heart and lungs
of a typical user. The pressure sensing chamber is positioned
external to the air bladder and the pressure sensing chamber has
substantially the same length and width as that of the air bladder.
The mattress further comprising a foam border and a fabric cover
substantially surrounding and enclosing the one or more layers of
foam material, the adjustable air layer, and the foam border,
wherein the one or more layers of foam material is adhered to the
foam border, wherein the open-cell foam material is adhered to the
air bladder at least on top and bottom surfaces of the open-cell
foam material, and wherein the fabric cover is adhered to at least
one of the foam border and the one or more layers of foam material.
The valve system includes a valve that is actuable between an open
position that allows air flow to and from the air bladder through
the valve and a closed position that substantially seals the air
bladder, wherein the mattress is configured such that air is forced
out of the air bladder when a person is resting on a surface of the
mattress and the valve is in the open position, wherein air is
drawn into the air bladder when there is little or no weight
resting on the mattress and the valve is in the open position, and
wherein the air bladder is substantially sealed when a person is
resting on a surface of the mattress and the valve is in the closed
position. The valve is actuable between the open position and the
closed position by user manipulation. The valve is actuable between
the open position and the closed position by an electronic
controller. An assembly comprising the mattress, wherein the
mattress is folded upon itself in a shippable position to reduce a
dimension of the mattress in at least one direction; and packaging
configured to compress and retain the mattress such that each of
the air bladder, the open-cell foam material, and the one or more
layers of foam material are compressed. The mattress is folded with
multiple hinges formed at elastic sections of material at a bottom
surface of a cover of the mattress. The packaging includes a
vacuum-sealed bag surrounding and compressing the mattress and a
cardboard box having a combined length and girth of 165 inches
(about 419 centimeters) or less enclosing the vacuum-sealed bag and
the mattress. The valve system includes a mechanical valve
comprising a disc, a biasing member, and an adjuster, wherein the
biasing member biases the disc toward a closed position that
substantially seals the manually-actuated valve and wherein the
adjuster includes a threaded dial that is adjustable to selectively
increase and decrease biasing force exerted by the biasing member
on the disc. The valve system includes a controller and a valve
configured to open and close in response to signals from the
controller to control air pressure in the air bladder. The
controller includes a processors and a computer memory. The
mattress is configured to inflate the adjustable air layer via
force exerted by the open-cell foam material on the air bladder and
to deflate the adjustable air layer via weight of the user laying
on the mattress, and wherein the mattress does not include a blower
connected to the air bladder or valve system. The controller is
configured to regulate the air bladder between a first pressure
substantially equal to ambient atmospheric air and a second
pressure set according to a user's selected firmness setting. The
pressure sensing chamber is integrated into the air bladder,
positioned inside the air bladder, and spaced from both a head and
a foot of the mattress, nearer the head than the foot at a mattress
location corresponding to a location of a heart and lungs of a
typical user. The controller further comprises a network interface
configured to connect to a server.
[0015] In another embodiment, a method is performed by a computer
processing apparatus. The method includes detecting user presence
in a bed. The method further includes opening a valve in response
to detecting the user presence in the bed such that the bed
compresses while the valve is open. The method further includes,
after a first delay, closing the valve. The method further includes
detecting bed exit. The method further includes opening the valve.
The method further includes, after a second delay, closing the
valve such that the bed expands during the second delay.
[0016] Implementations can include any, all, or none of the
following features. The first delay to compress the bed is based on
training data set by a user. The valve is actuated by a solenoid.
Detecting bed entrance includes identifying an increase in air
pressure. Detecting bed exit includes identifying a decrease in air
pressure. The method further includes periodically opening and
closing the valve. The periodic opening and closing of the valve is
performed if the bed is empty. The periodic opening and closing
normalizes air pressure in the bed and the atmosphere.
[0017] In another embodiment, a mattress can include an adjustable
air layer including an air bladder having an outlet and an
open-cell foam material positioned inside the air bladder and
configured to bias the air bladder to an inflated position when the
open-cell foam material is exposed to atmospheric pressure. The
open-cell foam material can define a recess positioned proximate
the outlet of the air bladder. Implementations can optionally
include one or more layer of foam material posited adjacent an
outer surface of the adjustable air layer and a valve system
fluidically connected to the air bladder via the outlet.
[0018] In another embodiment, a mattress can include an adjustable
air layer including an air bladder having an outlet, an open-cell
foam material positioned inside the air bladder and configured to
bias the air bladder to an inflated position when the open-cell
foam material is exposed to atmospheric pressure, and a fitting
element having one or more spacers to space the fitting element and
the outlet from the open-cell foam material. Implementations can
optionally include one or more layer of foam material posited
adjacent an outer surface of the adjustable air layer and a valve
system fluidically connected to the air bladder via the outlet.
[0019] In another embodiment, a mattress can include an adjustable
air layer including an air bladder having an outlet, an open-cell
foam material positioned inside the air bladder and configured to
bias the air bladder to an inflated position when the open-cell
foam material is exposed to atmospheric pressure, and a means for
spacing a fitting element and the outlet from the open-cell foam
material. Implementations can optionally include the means
including a recess defined by an edge of the open-cell foam
material.
[0020] In another embodiment, a mattress can include an adjustable
air layer including an air bladder having an outlet, an open-cell
foam material positioned inside the air bladder and configured to
bias the air bladder to an inflated position when the open-cell
foam material is exposed to atmospheric pressure, and a fitting
element having one or more spacers to space the fitting element and
the outlet from the open-cell foam material. The open-cell foam
material can define a recess positioned proximate the outlet of the
air bladder.
[0021] Methods and devices for automatically controlling a
substrate in response to a monitored subject are disclosed.
[0022] One such method includes detecting presence of a subject on
the substrate; in response to detection of the presence of the
subject, setting the firmness of the substrate to a base firmness
equalized with atmospheric pressure; in response to receiving a
request to modify the firmness of the substrate from the base
firmness to a requested firmness, setting the firmness of the
substrate to the requested firmness; detecting absence of the
subject on the substrate; and in response to detection of the
absence of the subject, restoring the firmness of the substrate
from the requested firmness to the base firmness.
[0023] Implementations can include any, all, or none of the
following features. Detecting presence of the subject includes
receiving an indication indicative of a pressure increase.
Detecting absence of the subject includes receiving an indication
indicative of a pressure decrease. The requested firmness is
selected by the subject using a remote device. The substrate
includes a fluid bladder, a foam core disposed within the fluid
bladder, a pressure-controlled valve having an open position
allowing fluid communication between atmosphere and an interior of
the fluid bladder and the foam core and a closed position blocking
fluid communication between atmosphere and the interior of the
fluid bladder and the foam core, and a check valve having an open
position allowing fluid communication between atmosphere and the
interior of the fluid bladder and the foam core only in the absence
of the subject on the substrate. Setting the firmness of the
substrate to the base firmness in response to detection of the
presence of the subject includes setting the pressure-controlled
valve to the closed position. Setting the firmness of the substrate
to the requested firmness incudes setting the pressure-controlled
valve to the open position only for a predetermined time period,
the predetermined time period being sufficient to lower the
pressure within the fluid bladder and reduce the firmness of the
substrate to the requested firmness. Restoring the firmness of the
substrate to the base firmness includes the check valve
automatically achieving the open position in the absence of the
subject on the substrate such that the foam core fully expands
within the fluid bladder.
[0024] Another method includes detecting presence of a subject on
the substrate; in response to detection of the presence of the
subject, setting the firmness of the substrate to a base firmness
equalized with atmospheric pressure; detecting identity of the
subject on the substrate; in response to detection of the identity
of the subject, setting the firmness of the substrate to an
identity-specific firmness; detecting absence of the subject on the
substrate; and in response to detection of the absence of the
subject, restoring the firmness of the substrate from the specified
firmness to the base firmness.
[0025] Implementations can include any, all, or none of the
following features. Detecting presence of the subject includes
receiving an indication indicative of a pressure increase.
Detecting absence of the subject includes receiving an indication
indicative of a pressure decrease. The identity-specific firmness
is based on a profile associated with the subject. The substrate
includes a fluid bladder, a foam core disposed within the fluid
bladder, and a valve having an open position allowing fluid
communication between atmosphere and an interior of the fluid
bladder and the foam core and a closed position blocking fluid
communication between atmosphere and the interior of the fluid
bladder and the foam core. Setting the firmness of the substrate to
the base firmness in response to detection of the presence of the
subject includes setting the valve to the closed position. Setting
the firmness of the substrate to the identity-specific firmness
incudes setting the valve to the open position only for a
predetermined time period, the predetermined time period being
sufficient to lower the pressure within the fluid bladder and
reduce the firmness of the substrate to the identity-specific
firmness. Restoring the firmness of the substrate from the
identity-specific firmness to the base firmness includes setting
the valve to the open position such that the foam core fully
expands within the fluid bladder.
[0026] An automatically-controlled substrate includes a fluid
bladder; a foam core disposed within the fluid bladder; one or more
sensors in fluid communication with the fluid bladder; a valve
having an open position allowing fluid communication between
atmosphere and an interior of the fluid bladder and the foam core
and a closed position blocking fluid communication between
atmosphere and the interior of the fluid bladder and the foam core;
and a processor. The processor is configured to detect, based on
signals from the one or more sensors, presence of a subject on the
substrate; in response to detection of the presence of the subject,
set firmness of the substrate to a base firmness equalized with
atmospheric pressure; in response to receiving a request to modify
the firmness of the substrate from the base firmness to a requested
firmness, set the firmness of the substrate to the requested
firmness; detect absence of the subject on the substrate; and in
response to detection of the absence of the subject, restore the
firmness of the substrate from the requested firmness to the base
firmness.
[0027] Implementations can include any, all, or none of the
following features. Setting the firmness of the substrate to the
base firmness in response to detection of the presence of the
subject includes setting the valve to the closed position. Setting
the firmness of the substrate to the requested firmness includes
setting the valve to the open position only for a predetermined
time period, the predetermined time period being sufficient to
lower the pressure within the fluid bladder and reduce the firmness
of the substrate to the requested firmness. Restoring the firmness
of the substrate from the requested firmness to the base firmness
includes setting the valve to the open position such that the foam
core fully expands within the fluid bladder.
[0028] These and other embodiments can each optionally include one
or more of the features described below. Particular embodiments of
the subject matter described in this specification can be
implemented so as to realize none, one or more of the advantages
described below.
[0029] The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are
set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below.
Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the description and drawings, and from the
claims.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0030] FIG. 1 shows an example air bed system.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the air bed system of FIG. 1
including a mattress and a base.
[0032] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the air bed system of FIG.
1, with a cover of the mattress partially removed.
[0033] FIG. 3B is a sectional view of the chamber of the bed system
of FIG. 3A.
[0034] FIG. 4 is a partial view of a portion of the mattress with
the cover removed.
[0035] FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of a pressure sensor and a
fluid passage for use in the air bed system.
[0036] FIG. 6 is a side view of an embodiment of a valve for use in
the air bed system.
[0037] FIG. 7 is a perspective sectional view of the valve of FIG.
6, showing a valve stem, a valve disc, a biasing member, and a
support.
[0038] FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of a packaging assembly
including a package that contains the mattress.
[0039] FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of an alternative embodiment
of the packaging assembly of FIG. 8.
[0040] FIG. 10 is a schematic top view of an alternative embodiment
of the mattress of FIG. 2.
[0041] FIG. 11 is a schematic top view of another alternative
embodiment of the mattress of FIG. 2.
[0042] FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of another alternative
embodiment of the mattress of FIG. 2.
[0043] FIG. 13 is a schematic view of an electronic control unit
that may be used with the air bed system.
[0044] FIG. 14 is a flowchart of an example process that may be
performed by the electronic control unit.
[0045] FIG. 15 is a schematic top view of another embodiment of an
example air bed system.
[0046] FIG. 16 is a top view of an end portion of one embodiment of
an air bladder, including foam material.
[0047] FIG. 17 is a perspective partial sectional view of the air
bladder and the foam material of FIG. 16.
[0048] FIG. 18 is a schematic top view of another embodiment of an
example air bed system.
[0049] FIG. 19 is a schematic end view of one embodiment of an air
bladder with foam material positioned therein.
[0050] FIG. 20 is a top view of an end of the air bladder with the
foam material of FIG. 19.
[0051] FIG. 21 is a side view of a fitting element having
spacers.
[0052] FIG. 22 is a diagram of a computing and communications
system in accordance with implementations of this disclosure.
[0053] FIG. 23 is a diagram of an example computing and
communication device in accordance with implementations of this
disclosure.
[0054] FIG. 24 is a schematic of a substrate in a collapsed
condition in accordance with implementations of this
disclosure.
[0055] FIG. 25 is a schematic of the substrate of FIG. 24 in
transition from the collapsed condition to an expanded condition in
accordance with implementations of this disclosure.
[0056] FIG. 26 is a side view of the substrate of FIG. 25 in the
expanded condition in the process of achieving a base firmness
equalized with atmospheric pressure in accordance with
implementations of this disclosure.
[0057] FIG. 27 is a side view of the substrate of FIG. 26 in a use
condition in the process of achieving a requested firmness in
accordance with implementations of this disclosure.
[0058] FIG. 28 is a representative system architecture for
monitoring the presence of a subject in accordance with
implementations of this disclosure.
[0059] FIG. 29 is a flowchart detailing an example process of
automatic firmness control in accordance with implementations of
this disclosure.
[0060] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like
elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0061] FIG. 1 shows an example air bed system 10 that includes a
bed 12. The bed 12 includes at least one air bladder 14 surrounded
by a resilient border 16 and encapsulated by a cover 18, such as
bed ticking. The resilient border 16 can include edge bolsters and
may comprise any suitable material, such as foam. As illustrated in
FIG. 1, the bed 12 can be a two chamber design having first and
second fluid chambers, such as a first air bladder 14A and a second
air bladder 14B. Air bladders 14A and 14B are air bladders that can
be inflatable by a user to increase or decrease the pressure as
further described below. Adjusting the pressure within the selected
air bladder 14A or 14B may cause a corresponding adjustment to the
firmness of the respective air bladder.
[0062] In some embodiments, the resilient border 16 can be omitted,
and the first and second air bladders 14A and 14B can extend
substantially to the edges of the bed 12. While some of the
following embodiments are illustrated without the resilient border
16, it should be understood that the resilient border 16 can be
included when suitable for the application.
[0063] In various embodiments, pressure in the air bladders 14A and
14B can be adjusted via manual systems and/or automatic systems
under computer control. In some embodiments, pressure in the air
bladders 14A and 14B can be adjusted by a powered pump or blower
(not shown). In some embodiments, pressure in the air bladders 14A
and 14B can be adjusted manually. In some embodiments, pressure in
the air bladders 14A and 14B can be adjusted by a system that is a
combination of electronic sensors and valves and mechanical forces
without necessarily requiring powered pumps or blowers. FIG. 2 is a
perspective view of the air bed system 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the
bed 12 includes a mattress 20 and a base 22. The mattress 20 is
positioned on and supported by the base 22. A valve 24 is connected
to the mattress 20. The valve 24 is fluidically connected to the
air bladder 14A (shown in FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the valve
24 can be a manually actuated valve for adjusting pressure in the
air bladder 14A. In those embodiments when the valve 24 is a
manually actuated valve, the valve 24 can be a mechanical valve, an
electronic valve, or can be a valve that includes a combination of
mechanical and electronic components. The valve 24 can include an
actuator 25 for adjusting pressure in the air bladder 14A. In some
embodiments, actuator 25 can be a knob, switch, button, or other
actuator configured to selectively actuate the valve 24. In some
embodiments, the valve 24 can be an automatic valve, which can
automatically open and close without manual actuation. For example,
the valve 24 can automatically open and close at certain pressures
and/or at certain times. Embodiments and examples described herein
with respect to manual valves are also contemplated as including
automatic valves where suitable for the application. For example,
deflation and re-inflation of the bladder can be performed by a
manual version of the valve 24 or an automatic version of the valve
24. In some implementations manual and automatic control valves may
be interchangeable. This may allow, for example, the use of a
manual valve with no electrically powered components for use in
areas without electricity service (e.g. while camping, in disaster
relief areas, or areas with unstable or no electric power grid
service). This may also allow the sale of a bed system 100 with a
comparatively inexpensive manual valve and an optional later sale
of a comparatively more expensive automatic version of the valve
24.
[0064] In some embodiments, the actuator 25 can be actuated between
a closed position in which the valve 24 is substantially sealed and
an open position in which the valve 24 is substantially open. When
the actuator 25 and the valve 24 are in the closed position, the
air bladder 24 can be substantially sealed. A user can adjust
firmness of the mattress 20 by opening the valve 24 and allowing
air to flow in or out of the air bladder 24. The user can cause the
mattress 20 to be softer by laying on the mattress 20 and opening
the valve 24, thus letting air out of the air bladder 14A. When the
mattress 20 has a desired firmness, the user can then close the
valve 24 to seal the air bladder 14A. The mattress 20 can then
retain that firmness (or softness) until air is again allowed to
flow into or out of the air bladder 14A. The user can cause the
mattress 20 to be firmer by getting off the mattress 20 and opening
the valve 24, thus letting air into the air bladder 14A. The air
bladder 14A can be configured to be biased in an inflated position
such that air flows through the valve 24 into the air bladder 14A
under atmospheric pressure.
[0065] In some embodiments, the actuator 25 can be actuated between
multiple pressure settings. In some embodiments, the actuator 25
can be actuated between a substantially infinite number of pressure
settings between upper and lower limits. In some embodiments, the
actuator 25 can be actuated between a discrete number of pressure
settings, such as pressure settings 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 or pressure
settings firm, medium, and soft. The valve 24 can be configured so
as to allow air to flow from the air bladder 14A through the valve
24 to the atmosphere when pressure in the air bladder 14A exceeds a
set threshold. For example, the actuator 25 can be set to a first
pressure threshold (e.g. a firm setting) whereby the valve 24
prevents or reduces air flow through the valve 24 when pressure in
the air bladder 14A is below the first pressure threshold and
allows air flow through the valve 24 when pressure in the air
bladder 14A exceeds the first pressure threshold. The actuator 25
can be actuated to a second pressure threshold that is lower than
the first pressure threshold (e.g. a soft setting) whereby the
valve 24 prevents or reduces air flow through the valve 24 when
pressure in the air bladder 14A is below the second pressure
threshold and allows air flow through the valve 24 when pressure in
the air bladder 14A exceeds the second pressure threshold. Thus,
the valve 24 can allow a user to selectively adjust the firmness of
the mattress 20 manually, without necessitating a powered air
pump.
[0066] In some embodiments, the valve 24 can be a one-way valve
that allows air flow out of the air bladder 14A (when pressure
exceeds a threshold) and prevents or reduces air flow into the air
bladder 14A. In such embodiments, the mattress 20 can include an
additional valve 26 that allows air flow into the air bladder 14A
and prevents or reduces air flow out of the air bladder 14A. The
valve 24 can be configured to allow the air bladder 14A to
partially deflate when the user lays on the mattress 20 and the
valve 26 can be configured to allow the air bladder 14A to
partially re-inflate when the user gets off the mattress 20.
[0067] In other embodiments, the valve 24 can be configured to
selectively allow air flow into and out of the air bladder 14A. In
some of such embodiments, the valve 26 can be omitted such that air
flow into and out of the air bladder 14A is substantially entirely
controlled by the valve 24.
[0068] In embodiments in which the air bed system 10 includes the
air bladder 14B in addition to the air bladder 14A, the air bed
system 10 can include two sets of valves: a valve 24, actuator 25,
and valve 26 for controlling pressure in the air bladder 14A and
another valve 24, actuator 25, and valve 26 for controlling
pressure in the air bladder 14B. This can allow two users to
control pressure in each side of the bed to different pressure
settings without requiring use of one or more pumps or blowers.
[0069] The air bed system 10 also includes a dongle 27 and a cable
28. The dongle 27 includes a controller 30 positioned in a housing
32 and electrical connectors 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the
electrical connectors 34 are configured to connect to a standard
electrical outlet for powering the dongle 27. The cable 28 can
electrically connect the dongle 27 to one or more electrical
components in the mattress 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the
cable 28 includes a connector 36 that can be removably connected to
the dongle 27. In other embodiments, the cable 28 can be hard-wired
to the dongle 27.
[0070] In some embodiments in which the controller 30 is positioned
inside the mattress 20, the mattress 20 can define a cavity 37 or
chamber for housing the controller 30. For example, the cavity 37
can be formed by cutting-out a portion of foam, such as a portion
of the resilient border 16 (shown in FIG. 1) or another suitable
portion of the mattress 20. In some such embodiments, the dongle 27
can be omitted and the controller 30 can be powered by connecting
to an electrical power outlet. The cavity 37 can include a flap
that allows access to the controller 30 for inserting and/or
removing the controller 30.
[0071] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the air bed system 10, with
the cover 18 of the mattress 20 partially removed. Under the cover
18, the mattress 20 includes a support layer 40, an adjustable air
layer 42 (which includes the air bladders 14A and 14B) above the
support layer 40, a comfort layer 44 above the adjustable air layer
42, and a comfort layer 46 above the comfort layer 44. The support
layer 40 can include a foam suitable for supporting the adjustable
air layer 42. The comfort layers 44 and 46 can include layers of
foam suitable for providing a comfortable resting surface for the
user between the adjustable air layer 42 and the cover 18. For
example, one of the comfort layers 44 and 46 can be a layer of
memory foam (such as low-resilience polyurethane foam) and the
other can be a layer of other foam suitable for the application. In
some embodiments, the adjustable air layer 42 can be adhered to one
or both of the support layer 40 and the comfort layer 44. In some
embodiments, the cover 18 can be adhered to one or more of the
support layer 40, the comfort layer 44, and the comfort layer 46.
Adhering the cover to one or more of the support layer 40, the
comfort layer 44, and the comfort layer 46 can increase structural
rigidity. In embodiments having resilient borders 16, the comfort
layer 46 can be adhered to the resilient borders 16. In some
embodiments, materials adhered can be adhered via one or more
layers of laminate adhesive material. In some embodiments, the
mattress 20 can have more or fewer layers than as shown in FIG. 3A.
In some embodiments, the adjustable air layer 42 can run
substantially the full length of the mattress 20 from a head to a
foot of the mattress. In other embodiments, the adjustable air
layer 42 can run less than the full length of the mattress 20. For
example, the adjustable air layer 42 can be positioned in a torso
section of the mattress 20 configured to support shoulders,
abdomen, and hips of a user with no adjustable air layer 42 under
lower leg and foot sections of the mattress 20. In some of such
embodiments, lower legs and feet can be supported by foam but not
by the adjustable air layer 42.
[0072] The air bladder 14A of the adjustable air layer 42 can
include an open-cell foam material 48 positioned inside the air
bladder 14A. The open-cell foam material 48 can substantially fill
the air bladder 14A, with an outer surface of the open-cell foam
material 48 adhered to an inner surface of the air bladder 14A at a
top and bottom of the open-cell foam material 48. For example, in
some embodiments, the open-cell foam material 48 can be laminated
to the inner surface of the air bladder 14A via one or more layers
of laminate adhesive material. In some embodiments, the open-cell
foam material 48 can be laminated to the inner surface of the air
bladder 14A on substantially all surfaces of the open-cell foam
material 48. In other embodiments, the open-cell foam material 48
can be laminated to the inner surface of the air bladder 14A on
less than all surfaces of the open-cell foam material 48, for
example, laminated on one, two, three, four, or five of six
surfaces or laminated only on the top and bottom surfaces on the
open-cell foam material 48. In some embodiments, the open-cell foam
material 48 can be adhered to the inner surface of the air bladder
14A via another adhesive material suitable for the application.
Such an adhesion may, in some configurations, reduce the chance
that the open-cell foam dislodging or becomes misaligned within the
air bladder 14A.
[0073] In some embodiments, the air bladder 14A can be laminated to
the open-cell foam material 48 via a separate laminating material
positioned between the air bladder 14A and the open-cell foam
material 48. In other embodiments, the air bladder 14A can be
laminated to one or more surface of the open-cell foam material 48
without any adhesive or other laminating material positioned
between the air bladder 14A and the open-cell foam material 48. The
air bladder 14A can be laminated directly to the open-cell foam
material 48, for example, by heating one or both of the air bladder
14A and the open-cell foam material 48.
[0074] Even when the air bladder 14A is substantially filled with
the open-cell foam material 48, much or even most of the volume
within the air bladder 14A can be occupied by air. The open-cell
foam material 48 can be configured with mechanical properties
suitable to bias the air bladder 14A to an inflated position when
the open-cell foam material 48 is exposed to atmospheric
pressure.
[0075] FIG. 3B is a schematic sectional view of the air bladder 14A
and the open-cell foam material 48. In some embodiments, the air
bladder 14A can have a space, such as a gap 47, between an inner
surface of the air bladder 14A and an outer surface of the
open-cell foam material 48. For example, the gap 47 can extend
substantially around all sides of the open-cell foam material, and
in some embodiments, can be less than about 0.25 inches across.
Thus, the gap 47 can be relatively small such that the inner
surface of the air bladder 14A is relatively close to the outer
surface of the open-cell foam material 48. The open-cell foam
material 48 can substantially fill the air bladder 14A.
[0076] In some embodiments, the open-cell foam material 48 can be
laminated to the inner surface of the air bladder 14A via one or
more layers of laminate adhesive material 49A and 49B. In some
embodiments, the open-cell foam material 48 can be laminated to the
inner surface of the air bladder 14A on substantially all surfaces
of the open-cell foam material 48. In other embodiments, the
open-cell foam material 48 can be laminated to the inner surface of
the air bladder 14A on less than all surfaces of the open-cell foam
material 48. In the illustrated embodiment, the open-cell foam
material 48 is laminated to an inner surface of the top of the air
bladder 14A by a sheet of the laminate adhesive material 49A and 48
is laminated to an inner surface of the bottom of the air bladder
14A by a sheet of the laminate adhesive material 49B. In some
embodiments, the combination of the open-cell foam material 48 with
laminate adhesive material or other suitable adhesive material
positioned inside the air bladder 14A can help control size and
shape of the air bladder 14A at different pressure settings, and
consequently, can help control pressure of the air bladder 14A in
the operation of the air bed system 10. Laminating the open-cell
foam material 48 to the inner surface of the air bladder 14A can
help maintain structure and location.
[0077] In some embodiments, the air bladder 14A can be formed of a
flexible polymer material such as a urethane material or other
suitable polymer material. In some embodiments, the air bladder 14A
can be formed with a seam along one, several, or all of its corner
edges 51. Having a seam can allow for a tight edge seal. In some
embodiments, the seam can be omitted along one or more of the
corner edges 51, and instead those corner edges can be formed of a
continuous sheet of polymer material.
[0078] FIG. 4 is a partial view of a portion of the mattress 20
with the cover 18 removed. FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of the
support layer 40, the adjustable air layer 42, the comfort layers
44 and 46. A fluid passage 50 fluidically connects the valve 24
(shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) to an edge 52 of the air bladder 14A at a
head of the bed 12 (shown in FIGS. 1-3). In some embodiments, the
fluid passage 50 can connect to the edge 52 of the air bladder 14A
at a foot or a side of the bed 12. In the illustrated embodiment,
the fluid passage 50 is a fluid hose extending from a head of the
bed 12 and can be tucked under the mattress 20 such that the valve
24 can be positioned at a side of bed 12. In other embodiments, the
length and configuration of the fluid passage 50 can be modified as
appropriate.
[0079] A pressure sensor 54 is fluidically connected to the air
bladder 14A. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 54 can be
fluidically connected to the fluid passage 50 at a location between
the valve 24 and the air bladder 14A. In the illustrated
embodiment, the pressure sensor 54 is fluidically connected to a
junction 56 of the fluid passage 50 via a fluid passage 58. The
controller 30 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) is connected in
communication with the pressure sensor 54 for receiving pressure
signals from the pressure sensor 54. In the illustrated embodiment,
the pressure sensor 54 is electrically connected to the controller
30 via the cable 28. In other embodiments, the pressure sensor 54
can be connected in wireless communication with the controller 30.
In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 54 can be integrated with
the controller 30. In some embodiments the pressure sensor 54 can
be integrated with the dongle 27 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3). For
example, the pressure sensor 54 and the dongle 27 can be integrated
in a common housing sharing the controller 30, which can all be
positioned inside or exterior of the cover 18 (shown in FIGS. 1-3)
of the mattress 20. In some embodiments the pressure sensor 54 can
be integrated with a sensing module that is connected or configured
differently than the dongle 27.
[0080] The combination of the controller 30 and pressure sensor 54
can detect pressure changes in the air bladder 14A and determine
presence of a user on the mattress 20 based upon those pressure
changes. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 54 can detect
pressure changes due to a biological indicator (also called
biosignals) of a user on the mattress 20. For example, in some
embodiments the pressure sensor 54 can detect pressure changes due
to heartbeat and/or respiration. In some embodiments, the pressure
sensor 54 can detect movement of a user on the mattress 20. The
controller 30 can receive pressure signals from the pressure sensor
54 and determine presence of a user on the mattress 20, as
distinguished, for example, from presence of an inanimate object.
In some embodiments, the combination of the controller 30 and
pressure sensor 54 can detect pressure changes in the air bladder
14A and determine a state of a user on the mattress 20, such as
determining whether the user is likely awake or asleep, based upon
pressure changes in the air bladder 14A corresponding to heart
rate, respiratory rate, and/or movement patterns. The controller 30
can use information sensed by the pressure sensor 54 to detect a
user on a surface of the mattress 20. The controller 30 can use
information sensed by the pressure sensor 54 to determine how well
a user slept.
[0081] FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the pressure sensor 54
connected to the fluid passage 50. As shown in FIG. 5, the fluid
passage 50 includes a connector 60 at one end and the valve 24 at
an opposite end. In some embodiments, the air bed system 10 (shown
in FIG. 1) can be upgradable, by removing the valve 24 and
replacing it with an electrically powered air pump system that is
connectable to the air bladder 14A (shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4) to
inflate and deflate the air bladder 14A.
[0082] FIG. 6 is a side view of an embodiment of the valve 24. As
shown in FIG. 6, the valve 24 is partially disassembled, with the
actuator 25 being unthreaded from a valve housing 62. In some
embodiments, the actuator 25 can be a knob with threads 64 on a
surface of the knob. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the
threads 64 are on an outer surface of the actuator 25. The valve
housing 62 can include threads 66 on a surface of the valve housing
62. In the illustrated embodiment, the threads 66 are on an inner
surface of the valve housing 62. The actuator 25 can threadedly
engage with the valve housing 62 such that the threads 64 are
engaged with the threads 66. The actuator 25 is engaged with the
valve housing 62 such that rotation of the actuator 25
circumferentially about a centerline axis CL of the valve housing
62 can cause a corresponding movement of the actuator 25 in an
axial direction with respect to the centerline axis CL. In some
embodiments, the valve 24 can be configured differently than as
illustrated. For example, the valve 24 can be modified such that
the threads 64 and 66 are positioned on an inner surface of the
actuator 25 and an outer surface of the valve housing 62.
[0083] The valve 24 can include a connector 68 for fluidically
connecting the valve 24 to the air bladder 14A (shown in FIGS. 1,
3, and 4), such as connecting to the fluid passage 58 (shown in
FIG. 4). The connector 68 can be connected to the valve housing 62,
and can include an inlet 70 to the valve housing 62. The valve
housing 62 can also include an outlet 72. In the illustrated
embodiment, the inlet 70 is aligned with the centerline axis
C.sub.L of the valve housing 62 and the outlet 72 is positioned
radially outward from the centerline axis CL. The outlet 72 is
positioned between the inlet 70 and the actuator 25. In some
embodiments, the inlet 70 and the outlet 72 can be positioned and
configured differently than as illustrated. Air can flow from the
inlet 70 through the valve housing 62 to and through the outlet
72.
[0084] FIG. 7 is a perspective sectional view of the valve 24,
showing a valve stem 74, a valve disc 76, a biasing member 78, and
a support 80. In the illustrated embodiment, the support 80 is an
annular support extending from an inner surface of the actuator 25.
The support 80 can divide an inner cavity of the actuator 25 into
first and second chambers 82 and 84. The support 80 defines a hole
86 aligned with the centerline axis CL. The valve stem 74 extends
through the hole 86 of the support 80 and is supported radially by
the support 80 such that the valve stem 74 is axially slidable and
rotatable about the centerline axis CL. The valve disc 76 is
positioned at an end of valve stem 74. In some embodiments, the
valve disc 76 can be a ball. In some embodiments, the valve disc 76
can be a poppet. The biasing member 78 extends from the valve disc
76 to the support 80. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing
member 78 is a spring in compression between the valve disc 76 and
the support 80. In other embodiments, the biasing member 80 can be
positioned and/or configured differently than as illustrated so
long as it is suitable for biasing the valve disc 76 to a closed
position.
[0085] The valve housing 62 defines an inlet passage 88 from the
inlet 70 to a passage end 90. The valve disc 76 is positioned
adjacent the passage end 90. The valve disc 76 is actuable between
a closed position in which the valve disc 76 abuts a surface 92 of
the valve housing 62 to substantially seal or reduce flow through
the passage end 90 and an open position in which the valve disc 76
is spaced from the surface 92 of the valve housing 62 to
substantially open the passage end 90. The biasing member 78 biases
the valve disc 76 to the closed position. When pressure in the
inlet passage 88 (and in the air bladder 14A, shown in FIGS. 1, 3,
and 4) exceeds a threshold, pressure forces the valve disc 76 to
the open position, allowing air to flow past the valve disc 76 and
out one or more of the outlets 72.
[0086] Rotation of the actuator 25 can increase and decrease force
exerted by the biasing member 78, thus increasing and decreasing
the pressure threshold of which the valve disc 76 is moved from the
close position to the open position. Rotating the actuator 25 in a
first direction can compress the biasing member 78, thus increasing
the biasing force on the valve disc 76. Rotating the actuator 25 in
a second direction can allow the biasing member 78 to at least
partially decompress, thus decreasing the biasing force on the
valve disc 76. This can allow a user to selectively set a desired
pressure threshold of the air bladder 14A, and consequently a
desired firmness of the mattress 20. In some embodiments, the valve
24 can be configured differently than as illustrated.
[0087] In some embodiments, the valve 24 can act as a pressure
relief valve that can allow some, most, or all of the air in the
air bladder 14A to be expelled from the air bladder 14A. This can
be useful during the manufacturing process of the mattress 20
and/or during packaging and shipping as further described with
respect to FIGS. 8 and 9.
[0088] In some embodiments, it can be desirable to design the valve
24 such that it is sized to be suitable for a user when adjusting
pressure in the bed, but too small for expelling air during the
manufacturing, packaging, and shipping. In such embodiments, the
mattress 20 can include additional valves 24 with different sizes
and configurations: one sized and configured for a user to adjust
bed pressure and one sized (larger) and configured for use during
the manufacturing, packaging, and shipping.
[0089] FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of a packaging assembly 100
including a package 102 that contains the mattress 20. The package
102 can be configured to compress and retain the mattress 20 such
that each of the support layer 40, the comfort layers 44 and 46,
and the adjustable air layer 42 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) are
compressed. In some embodiments, the package 102 can include a
vacuum-sealed bag 104 surrounding and compressing the mattress 20.
In some embodiments, the mattress 20 can be compressed prior to
positioning the mattress 20 in the vacuum-sealed bag 104. In some
embodiments, the mattress 20 can be compressed after being
positioned in the vacuum-sealed bag 104 as part of a vacuum-sealing
process. The valve 24 (shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5-7) can act as a
pressure-relief valve so as to allow air to be expelled from the
air bladder 14A (shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4) while the mattress 20
is being compressed. Thus, the valve 24 can help facilitate the
mattress 20 being conveniently and reliably compressible for
shipping in a relatively small packaging assembly 100.
[0090] In some embodiments, the package 102 can include a box 106.
In some embodiments, the box 106 can be a cardboard box that
surrounds and encloses the vacuum-sealed bag 104. In some
embodiments, the box 106 can have a combined length and girth of
about 165 inches (about 419 centimeters) or less. In some
embodiments, the package 102 can have a combined length and girth
of about 165 inches (about 419 centimeters) or less. The package
102 can have a size and shape configured to be shippable by a
standard parcel service, such as via UPS, which can be more
convenient and less expensive than a parcel service that handles
oversized packages.
[0091] The mattress 20 can be folded upon itself in a shippable
position to reduce one or more dimensions of the mattress 20 and to
be sized to fit in the package 102. In some embodiments, the
mattress 20 can be folded alternately with multiple creases 108. In
the illustrated embodiment, the mattress 20 is folded alternately
with three creases in a shape of an "M." In other embodiments, the
mattress 20 can be folded in a different shape that is suitable for
packaging and shipping. The vacuum-sealed bag 104 can be vacuumed
and shrunk tightly against an outer surface of the mattress 20, to
retain the mattress 20 in a compressed shape.
[0092] In some embodiments, the mattress 20 can have one or more
elastic sections configured to allow for folding of the mattress.
For example, the cover 18 of the mattress 20 can have elastic
sections 107 on a bottom surface of the mattress 20. The elastic
sections 107 can be discrete elastic sections that have elastic
properties that allow the elastic sections 107 to stretch more than
neighboring sections of the cover 18 of the mattress 20. This can
cause the mattress 20 to bend substantially like a hinge at the
elastic sections 107, which can allow the mattress 20 to fold for
packaging and shipment.
[0093] In some embodiments, the elastic sections 107 can be on the
bottom surface of the mattress 20. In some embodiments, the elastic
sections 107 can be only on the bottom surface of the mattress 20,
allowing the top surface of the mattress 20 to have material
selected for the cover 18 that is selected primarily or exclusively
for its properties in supporting a user resting on the mattress 20.
In some embodiments, the top surface of the mattress 20 can have an
elastic section 109, which can be the same or similar to the
elastic sections 107. In other embodiments, the elastic section 109
can be different than the elastic sections 107. In some
embodiments, the top portion of the cover 18 can have no separate
and distinct elastic section separate from that portion of the
cover 18 designed for comfort of the user during resting on the
mattress 20.
[0094] FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of a packaging assembly 110
including a package 112 that contains the mattress 20. The
packaging assembly 110 can be similar to the packaging assembly 100
(shown in FIG. 8) except that the packaging assembly 110 includes
the mattress 20 folded upon itself in a helical or spiral shape. As
shown in FIG. 9, the mattress 20 is compressed in a helical roll
inside a vacuum-sealed bag 114, which is inside a box 116. In some
embodiments, the package 112 can have a combined length and girth
of about 165 inches (about 419 centimeters) or less. The package
112 can have a size and shape configured to be shippable by a
standard parcel service, such as via UPS.
[0095] In some embodiments, the mattress 20 can include an elastic
section 107 that spans all or most of the bottom surface of the
mattress 20. The mattress 20 can be rolled with the bottom of the
mattress 20 toward the outside such that the elastic section 107
stretches more than the top surface of the mattress 20.
[0096] FIG. 10 is a schematic top view of a mattress 120, which is
an alternative embodiment of the mattress 20 (shown in FIGS. 2-4,
8, and 9). The mattress 120 can be similar to the mattress 20,
except the mattress 120 includes an air bladder 122 in addition to
the air bladder 14A. The air bladder 122 can be a dedicated
pressure sensing chamber, substantially fluidically isolated from
the air bladder 14A. The air bladder 14A can be a dedicated comfort
chamber.
[0097] In some embodiments, the air bladder 122 can be positioned
inside the air bladder 14A. In some embodiments, the air bladder
122 can be positioned above or below the air bladder 14A. The air
bladder 122 can be fluidically connected to the pressure sensor 54
via a fluid passage 124. In the illustrated embodiment, the
pressure sensor 54 can be positioned exterior of the mattress 120.
In other embodiments, the pressure sensor 54 can be positioned
interior of the mattress 120. The air bladder 122 can be
substantially hermetically sealed with a substantially constant
mass of air contained therein. Consequently, even when the valve 24
is adjusted to increase or decrease the mass of air in the air
bladder 14A, the mass of air in the air bladder 122 can remain
relatively constant. This can improve sensitivity, consistency, and
accuracy of the pressure sensor 54 for use in sensing biological
indicators of the user 126. In some embodiments, using a smaller
volume of air in the air bladder 122, as opposed to a larger volume
of air in the air bladder 14A, accuracy of biometric sensing can be
improved by making it easier for the pressure sensor 54 to detect
and quantify pressure fluctuations in the air bladder 122
associated with biological indicators of the user 126. Motion or
other biological indicators of the user 126 can have a relatively
large effect on the air bladder 122 due to the air bladder 122
having a relatively small surface area as compared to larger air
bladders (such as, for example, the air bladder 14A). Thus, in some
embodiments a smaller air bladder 122 can improve sensing accuracy
so long as the air bladder 122 is positioned proximate an
appropriate location for sensing a relevant biological indicator
(e.g. in an area proximate lungs for sensing respiratory rate
and/or an area proximate a heart for sensing heart rate).
[0098] In some embodiments the pressure sensor 54 can be built into
or otherwise integrated with the air bladder 122 as a single
component.
[0099] In some embodiments, the air bladder 122 can be positioned
along a longitudinal length of the mattress 120 that is spaced from
both a head 128 and a foot 130 of the mattress 120, nearer the head
128 than the foot 130. The air bladder 122 can be positioned at a
location of the mattress 120 corresponding to a location of a heart
132 and lungs 134 of a typical user 126. This can allow the air
bladder 122 and the pressure sensor 54 to better sense heart rate
and respiratory rate of the user 126. The air bladder 122 can be
positioned between a location of hips 136 and shoulders 138 to
reduce the chance of the air bladder 122 negatively affecting
comfort of the user 126. The air bladder 122 can extend
substantially an entire width of the air bladder 14A. In the
illustrated embodiment, the air bladder 122 extends nearly, but
less than, the entire width of the air bladder 14A. In other
embodiments, the air bladder 122 can extend the full width of the
air bladder 14A.
[0100] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the mattress 120
is a single sized mattress, with the air bladder 14A extending
substantially a full length of the mattress 120 from the head 128
to the foot 130, and extending substantially a full width of the
mattress 120 from side to side. In some embodiments, the mattress
120 can be a larger mattress, such as a double, queen, or king
sized mattress, and can include one, two, or more comfort chambers
as well as one, two, or more dedicated pressure sensing
chambers.
[0101] The air bladder 14A can include the open-cell foam material
48 (shown in FIG. 3A) positioned inside the air bladder 14A to bias
the air bladder 14A to an inflated position when the open-cell foam
material 48 is exposed to atmospheric pressure. In some
embodiments, the open-cell foam material 48 can be positioned
inside both the air bladder 14A and the air bladder 122,
substantially filling both air bladders 14A and 122. In other
embodiments, the open-cell foam material 48 can be positioned
inside the air bladder 14A around the air bladder 122, but not
positioned inside the air bladder 122.
[0102] FIG. 11 is a schematic top view of a mattress 150, which is
an alternative embodiment of the mattress 20 (shown in FIGS. 2-4,
8, and 9) and the mattress 120 (shown in FIG. 10). The mattress 150
can be similar to the mattress 120, except the mattress 150
includes an air bladder 152 that is longer in a longitudinal
direction from the head 128 to the foot 130, and narrower in a
direction from side-to-side of the mattress 150. The air bladder
152 can be sized and shaped to correspond to both a chest 154 and
abdomen 156 of the user 126. The air bladder 152 can be positioned
inside the air bladder 14A and be substantially hermetically sealed
from the air bladder 14A.
[0103] In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure sensor 54 is
positioned interior of the mattress 150, proximate the foot 130 of
the mattress 150. By positioning the pressure sensor 54 near the
foot 130 of the mattress 150, the pressure sensor 54 can be
positioned interior of the mattress 150 at a location that is less
likely to negatively affect comfort of the user 126. In other
embodiments, the pressure sensor 54 can be positioned exterior of
the mattress 150.
[0104] In some embodiments, the air bladder 14A can be omitted and
the air bladder 152 can act as both an adjustable air bladder and a
pressure sensing chamber. The air bladder 152 can be sized to
create an adjustable zone under a torso of a user and need not
extend the full length of the mattress 20. In some of such
embodiments, the user's lower legs and feet can be supported by
foam of the mattress 150 but not by the air bladder 152 that is
positioned under the user's torso. This can allow for a relatively
small chamber of the air bladder 152 while still allowing for
adjustable air pressure relief under a user's torso.
[0105] FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of a mattress 160, which is
an alternative embodiment of the mattress 20 (shown in FIGS. 2-4,
8, and 9) the mattress 120 (shown in FIG. 10), and the mattress 150
(shown in FIG. 11). The mattress 160 can be similar to the
mattresses 120 and 150, except the mattress 160 includes an air
bladder 162, which can be a dedicated pressure sensing chamber that
is fluidically connected to the pressure sensor 54 and that is
substantially hermetically sealed from the air bladder 14A.
[0106] In some embodiments, the air bladder 162 can be positioned
outside of the air bladder 14A and can have a length and/or width
that is similar to that of the air bladder 14A. In the illustrated
embodiment, the air bladder 162 is positioned below the air bladder
14A and has the same length as the air bladder 14A. A top surface
of the air bladder 162 can be adhered to a bottom surface of the
air bladder 14A, such as via radio frequency (RF) welding or via a
separate adhesive layer. Biological activity, such as respiration
and heart beats, on the mattress 160 can be transmitted as
vibration and pressure changes through the air bladder 14A to the
air bladder 162, at which point the pressure sensor 54 can sense
pressure changes in the air bladder 162. While the air bladder 14A
can be configured primarily as a comfort chamber and the air
bladder 162 can be configured primarily as a pressure sensing
chamber, the air bladder 162 can also be configured to increase
comfort for a user within the mattress 160.
[0107] In some embodiments, the air bladder 162 can act as a
support layer, without an additional support layer being positioned
below the air bladder 162. In other embodiments, the mattress 160
can include one or more additional support layers, such as the
support layer 40 (shown in FIGS. 3-4). In some embodiments, the
mattress 160 can include one or more comfort layers, such as the
comfort layer 46, above the air bladder 14A. In the illustrated
embodiment, the mattress 160 is a relatively low profile mattress,
with a single comfort layer 46 positioned above and adhered to the
air bladder 14A, which is positioned above and adhered to the air
bladder 162, which functions as the support layer for the mattress
160. The mattress 160 can include one or more additional layers
(not shown) and still remain a low-profile mattress so long as such
additional layers are suitably thin. In other embodiments, the
mattress 160 can be a high-profile mattress with relatively thick
layers.
[0108] As described above and shown in the figures, bed systems can
include a mattress that includes a manually adjustable air bladder
for user comfort, includes a pressure sensing system capable of
determining presence and/or state of the user, and/or is
compressible for shipping. Such mattresses can be compressed and
shipped in packaging with a size and a shape configured to be
shipped by a standard parcel service, as opposed to a parcel
service that handles oversized packages.
[0109] FIG. 13 is a schematic view of an electronic control unit
that may be used with the air bed system. As previously described,
a user may manually actuate a valve 24 in order to adjusting
pressure in the air bladder 14A. In addition to, or in the
alternative to the valve 24 being manually actuated, an electronic
control unit may be used to actuate a valve, such as a solenoid
valve, in order to adjust pressure in the air bladder 14A. In some
examples, the functionality described here may be incorporated into
the controller 30, and in some examples, some or all of the
functionality may be incorporated into one or more other
enclosures. For clarity of description, the functionality will be
described as incorporated into a controller 31 actuating solenoid
valves 1302 and 1304. The controller 31 may, for example, replace
or supplement the controller 30, and the solenoid valves 1301 and
1302 may, for example, replace or supplement the valve 24. Each of
the solenoid valves 1302 and 1304 can include a solenoid that
drives a valve to open and close to control air flow in a manner
similar to that described above with respect to valve 24. In some
embodiments, the solenoid valves 1302 and 1304 can also replace the
valve 26. In some embodiments, the solenoid valves 1302 and 1304
can work in conjunction with the valve 26.
[0110] The controller 31 can include a processing unit 1306, a
computer memory 1308, solenoid controllers 1310 and 1312, and a
sleep expert board 1314. These components may be enclosed in an
enclosure 1316, and powered by a power supply 1318. Each of these
components may be interconnected using various buses, and several
of the components may be mounted on common circuit boards or in
other manners as appropriate. Additionally, the controller 31 may
be communicable coupled to the pressure sensor 54, for example by
cable 28 and/or wirelessly.
[0111] The processing unit 1306 can execute instructions within
controller 31, including instructions stored in the computer memory
1308. The process 1306 may be implemented as a chipset of chips
that include multiple analog and digital processors. The processor
1306 may provide, for example, for coordination of the other
components of the controller 31.
[0112] The computer memory 1308 stores information within the
controller 31. The computer memory 1308 can be implemented as one
or more of a computer-readable medium or media, a volatile memory
unit or units, or a non-volatile memory unit or units. The memory
1308 may include, for example, flash memory and/or NVRAM memory
(non-volatile random access memory). In some implementations, a
computer program product maybe tangibly embodied in the computer
memory 1308.
[0113] The solenoid controllers 1310 and 1312 may be controllers
that are configured to actuate solenoid valves 1302 and 1304,
respectively. For example, the solenoid controller 1310 and 1312
can receive a control message (e.g., from the processing unit 1306)
to open or close their associated solenoid, and the solenoid
controllers 1310 and/or 1312 can actuate their corresponding
solenoids to the requested state (e.g., open or closed).
[0114] Solenoid valves 1302 and 1304 are controllable devices that
are capable of opening or closing the bladders 14A and 14B,
respectively, to the atmosphere. For example, the solenoid valves
1302 and 1304 may each include a coil wound into a helix shape to
act as an electromechanical solenoid which actuates either a
pneumatic or hydraulic valve in response to receiving control
messages from the solenoid controllers 1310 or 1312. Although
solenoids are used in this example, it will be understood that any
kind of controllable valve or switch may be used to selectively
expose the air bladders 14A and 14B to the atmosphere.
[0115] Sleep expert board 1314 may include components required to
determine a user's sleep state, sleep quality, or other
sleep-related metrics. These metrics can be computationally
intensive, and calculating the sleep metrics on the sleep expert
board 1314 can free up the other resources of the controller 31
while the metrics are being calculated. Additionally and/or
alternatively, the sleep metrics can be subject to future
revisions. To update the controller 31 with the new sleep metrics,
it is possible that only the sleep expert board 1314 that
calculates that metrics need be replaced. In this case, other
components of the controller 31 can be used, saving the need to
perform unit testing of additional components instead of just the
sleep expert board 1314.
[0116] Enclosure 1316 can be made of a plastic, metal, composite,
or other appropriate material or materials. The enclosure 1316 can
be configured so that the processing unit 1306, the computer memory
1308, the solenoid controllers 1310 and 1312, and the sleep expert
board 1314 are mounted securely and protected from the outside
environment (e.g., particulate, heat, static electricity, etc.)
Further, the enclosure 1316 may be configured so that wired
communication hardware can connect the enclosed components other
components. For example, the cable 28 may terminate at the
enclosure 1316, and the power supply may be permanently or
removable coupled to the enclosure 1316.
[0117] Power Supply 1318 may supply the controller 31 with the
electricity needed to operate the controller 31. The power supply
1318 may include a power source (e.g., a batter pack, wall outlet
adapter, solar panel) and a cable to transmit electricity from the
power source to the enclosure 1316 and, thus, the components within
the controller 31 to be powered.
[0118] In some embodiments, the controller 31 can control valves
such as the solenoid valves 1302 and 1304 to control air pressure
in the air bladder 14A in response to a user command. For example,
in some embodiments a user can manually indicate a desired pressure
setting on a remote control (such as a wired or wireless remote
control or mobile device, including a mobile phone running an
application that functions as a remote control) and the controller
31 can respond by controlling the solenoid valves 1302 and 1304 to
open and close appropriately. In some embodiments, the controller
31 can control the solenoid valves 1302 and 1304 as a function of
sensed pressure in the air bladder 14A. In some embodiments, the
controller 31 can control the solenoid valves 1302 and 1304 as a
function of time. In some embodiments, the controller 31 can
control the solenoid valves 1302 and 1304 automatically (for
example, as a function of sensed pressure and/or time) not in
response to a user input. In some embodiments, the controller 31
can control the solenoid valves 1302 and 1304 partially
automatically and partially in response to a user input.
[0119] In some embodiments, the controller 31 can include a network
interface and be connected to one or more servers, such as a local
server or a remote cloud-based server. For example, the controller
31 can communicate through a wireless connection (such as a
Bluetooth to a smart phone or other mobile computing device or
through a Wi-Fi network) to the cloud-based server for storing data
sensed and/or otherwise gathered by the controller 31.
[0120] FIG. 14 is a flowchart of an example process 1400 that may
be performed by the controller 31. For clarity, the process 1400
will be described with reference to the bed system 10 using the
controller 31. However, the same or a similar process may be
performed by other systems and/or devices.
[0121] The process 1400 begins 1402 with the bed system 10 empty,
substantially fully inflated, and with the solenoids closed. For
example, the bed system 10 may be unoccupied over the course of the
daytime while the user or users that sleep on the bed are awake.
The bed system 10 may undergo some diagnostic, maintenance, or
other activity while unoccupied. For example, changes in
temperature, atmospheric pressure, or other environmental factors
may create pressure differentials between the atmosphere and the
air bladders 14. To normalize that differential, the controller 31
may cause the solenoid valves 1302 and 1304 to open and shut
periodically. This can cause the air bladders 14 to be periodically
exposed to atmosphere, and thus release pressure or expand.
[0122] The bed system 10 detects 1404 user presence in the bed
system 10. For example, the controller may sense from pressure
sensor 54 a large increase in pressure in an air bladder 14A or 14B
over a short period of time. For example, the controller 31 may
compare the pressure reading to a trained model of pressure
readings caused by bed entrance, may apply one or more mathematical
functions or filters to the pressure reading, and/or may compare
the pressure reading to one or more heuristics or thresholds to
determine that a user has entered the bed.
[0123] In this example, a user has entered the bed and is laying on
the bed above air bladder 14A. The controller can receive pressure
readings for both air bladders 14A and 14B. The pressure reading
for air bladder 14A may show a very large spike, compared to a
smaller increase in pressure in air bladder 14B. For example,
because the two air bladders 14 are within the same bed system 10,
some movement by the user is transferred to both air bladders 14,
but mostly to the air bladder 141A below the user. The controller
31 may examine these two pressure readings and determine that a
user has entered the bed above air bladder 14A.
[0124] In response to detecting the user on the bed above air
bladder 14A, the controller 31 can open 1406 the corresponding
solenoid 1302. For example, the processing unit 1306 can send a
control signal to the solenoid controller 1310, and the solenoid
controller 1310 can cause the connected solenoid valve 1302 to
open.
[0125] The controller 31 can delay to allow the air bladder 14A to
compress 1408. For example, with the solenoid valve 1302 in the
open state and a user laying above the air bladder 14A, the
open-cell foam material 48 can begin to compress. As the open-cell
foam material 48 compresses, the air bladder 14A loses volume. The
controller 31 can delay for a period of time that has been
previously determined, either by a pre-set setting or by the user
who has previously set the bed system 10 to a preferred firmness
setting.
[0126] For example, during a setup process, the user can lay on a
substantially fully inflated bed system 10 that has the solenoid
valve 1302 open. As the air bladder 14A compresses to a desired
firmness, the user can send a signal to the controller 31 to close
the solenoid valve 1302, halting the compression after a period of
time. This can be set by the controller 31 as the user's preferred
(or selected) firmness setting. Later, in the action 1408, the
controller 31 can delay for this same period of time (or a
different period of time derived from the period of time set by the
user) to allow the air bladder 14A to compress and achieve the same
or similar firmness setting.
[0127] After delaying, the controller 31 can close 1410 the
corresponding solenoid valve 1302. For example, the processing unit
1306 can send a control signal to the solenoid controller 1310, and
the solenoid controller 1310 can cause the connected solenoid valve
1302 to close.
[0128] In some embodiments, the controller 31 and the solenoid
controller 1310 can keep the solenoid valve 1302 substantially
indefinitely. For example, the solenoid valve 1302 can remain
closed until the user issues a command to change bed pressure.
[0129] In some embodiments, the controller 31 can dynamically
change pressure in the air bladder 14A in response to bed presence.
The bed system 10 can detect 1412 a bed exit. For example, the user
can lay on the bed for a period of time (e.g., to sleep, read a
book), and then exit the bed (e.g., wake up for the day, to fetch a
drink). When the user exits the bed, the pressure they were
previously exerting on the bed system, and thus the air bladder
14A, is removed, causing a swift reduction in pressure. The
pressure sensor 54 can observe this pressure change and report the
readings to the controller 31. For example, the controller 31 may
compare the pressure reading to a trained model of pressure
readings caused by bed exit, may apply one or more mathematical
functions or filters to the pressure reading, and/or may compare
the pressure reading to one or more heuristics or thresholds to
determine that a user has left the bed.
[0130] In response to detecting the user exiting the bed, the bed
system 10 can open 1414 a solenoid valve 1302. For example, after
the controller 31 detects the bed exit event, the controller may
delay for a time period. This delay may allow for, for example, a
case where a user exits the bed or when a false bed exit is
detected (that is, when the controller 31 incorrectly determines a
bed exit event when the user has not exited). After the detection
and optionally the delay, the processing unit 1306 can send a
control signal to the solenoid controller 1310, and the solenoid
controller 1310 can cause the connected solenoid 1302 to open.
[0131] The bed system 10 can delay 1416 for refresh. For example,
with the solenoid valve 1302 in the open state and no user laying
above the air bladder 14A, the open-cell foam material 48 can begin
to expand. As the open-cell foam material 48 expands, the air
bladder 14A also expands, drawing in air. The controller 31 can
delay for a period of time that is sufficient to allow the air
bladder 14A to fully expand.
[0132] For example, the processing unit 1306 can send a control
signal to the solenoid controller 1310, and the solenoid controller
1310 can cause the connected solenoid valve 1302 to close. At this
point in the process 1400, the bed is empty and prepared to receive
a user, as it is in step 1402. The next time the user lays on the
mattress 20, the bed system 10 can again perform the process 1400
to release air in the air bladder 14A to achieve the user's
preferred (or selected) firmness setting.
[0133] In various embodiments, the controller 31 can control
pressure in the air bladders 14A and 14B according to one, more
than one, or all of the factors described herein. For example, the
controller 31 can control pressure in the air bladders 14A and 14B
according to sensed presence as described above. The controller 31
can automatically control pressure between a first pressure that is
substantially equal to ambient air when presence is not sensed and
a second pressure set according to a user's selected firmness
setting when presence is sensed. In some embodiments, the
controller 31 can control pressure in the air bladders 14A and 14B
according to sensed presence in another manner suitable for the
application.
[0134] In some embodiments, the controller 31 can control pressure
in the air bladders 14A and 14B according to user preferences or
rules. In some embodiments, the controller 31 can control pressure
in the air bladders 14A and 14B according to learning techniques.
For example, the controller 31 can automatically learn a user's
sleep schedule and control pressure in the air bladders 14A and 14B
according to the learned schedule. This can allow the controller 31
to control pressure in the air bladders 14A and 14B according to
the user's historical actions.
[0135] In some embodiments, the controller 31 can control pressure
in the air bladders 14A and 14B according to the user's analyzed
motion. For example, the controller 31 can sense pressure (such as
via a pressure sensor as described above) and automatically adjust
between pressures according to that sensed motion.
[0136] In some embodiments, the controller 31 can control pressure
in the air bladders 14A and 14B according to the user's biometric
signals. For example, the controller 31 can sense breathing,
heartrate, and/or another biometric signal (such as via a pressure
sensor as described above) and automatically adjust between
pressures according to that sensed motion.
[0137] In some embodiments, the controller 31 can control pressure
in the air bladders 14A and 14B according to environmental
conditions. For example, the controller 31 can sense one or more
environmental conditions (such as via an ambient light,
temperature, or sound sensor) and automatically adjust between
pressures according to the sensed condition or conditions. In
another example, the controller 31 can sense barometric pressure
and automatically adjust the air bladders 14A and 14B between
pressures according to the sensed barometric pressure.
[0138] In some embodiments, the controller 31 can control pressure
in the air bladders 14A and 14B according to the user's
temperature. For example, the controller 31 can sense temperature
of the user (such as via a temperature sensor positioned so as to
detect the user's temperature, as opposed to ambient or another
temperature) and automatically adjust between pressures according
to that sensed temperature.
[0139] In some embodiments, the controller 31 can control pressure
in the air bladders 14A and 14B according to the user's age. For
example, the controller 31 can sense breathing, heartrate, and/or
another biometric signal (such as via a pressure sensor as
described above) and automatically adjust between pressures
according to that sensed motion.
[0140] In some embodiments, the controller 31 can control pressure
in the air bladders 14A and 14B according to the user's gender. For
example, the controller 31 can automatically adjust between
pressures according to a user's gender as identified by that user
and as stored in setting of the controller 31. The controller 31
can adjust pressure differently as a function of gender alone, or
as a function of gender in combination with other factors described
herein.
[0141] In some embodiments, the controller 31 can control pressure
in the air bladders 14A and 14B according to the user's weight. For
example, the controller 31 can sense a user's weight (such as via a
pressure sensor connected to the air bladders 14A and 14B) and
automatically adjust between pressures according to a user's
weight. In another example, the controller 31 can automatically
adjust between pressures according to a user's weight as identified
by the user without sensing weight. In the various embodiments
describe herein, the controller 31 can adjust pressure differently
as a function of a single factor alone, or as a function of that
factor in combination with other factors described herein.
[0142] FIG. 15 is a schematic top view of another embodiment of an
example air bed system 1500. The air bed system 1500 can be similar
to the air bed system 10 (shown in FIG. 1) and can include many of
the features and functions described above. For example, the air
bed system can include the air bladders 14A and 14B. In some
embodiments, the air bladders 14A and 14B can contain foam material
1502 that defines a recess 1504 (also referred to as a notch or
channel). The foam material 1502 can have features and functions
similar to the open cell foam material 48 (described above) except
for the recess 1504 positioned at a surface of the foam material
48. In some embodiments, the recess 1504 can be cut out of a block
of foam that forms the foam material 1502. In some embodiments, the
foam material 1502 can be shaped with the recess 1504 when the foam
material 1502 is formed. In some embodiments, the foam material
1502 can be replaced by an alternate material that is breathable
and provides adjustability to the air bed system 1500.
[0143] The controller 31 can be fluidly connected to the air
bladders 14A and 14B via hoses 1506 and 1508. The recess 1504 can
be positioned proximate a connection location of the hoses 1506 and
1508 to define a space between the foam material 1502 and the hose
1508. In some of such embodiments, this arrangement can facilitate
air flow into and out of the air bladder 14B by reducing the
tendency of the foam material 1502 to block flow.
[0144] In some embodiments, one or both of the controller 31 and
the recess 1504 can be positioned at a foot of the air bed system
1500. In other embodiments, one or both of the controller 31 and
the recess 1504 can be positioned at another location that has a
reduced likelihood of being felt by a user resting on the air bed
system 1500.
[0145] FIG. 16 is a top view of an end portion of one embodiment of
the air bladder 14B, including the foam material 1502 contained
therein. In some embodiments, the recess 1504 can be shaped as a
semi-circle (or one-half of a cylinder) as illustrated in FIG. 16.
In other embodiments, the recess 1504 can have another shape
suitable for separating an outlet of the air bladder 14B from a
surface of the foam material 1502. For example, in some embodiments
the recess 1504 can have a rectangular shape. In some embodiments
the recess 1504 can have a hemispherical shape. In some embodiments
the recess 1504 can have a trapezoidal shape. In some embodiments
the recess 1504 can have a conical shape. In some embodiments the
recess 1504 can have a frustoconical shape. In some embodiments the
recess 1504 can have a cylindrical or tube shape extending
longitudinally into the foam material. In some embodiments the
recess 1504 can have a shape of a long and narrow channel.
[0146] FIG. 17 is a perspective partial sectional view of the air
bladder 14B and the foam material 1502. The foam material 1502 is
sectioned to illustrate the shape of one embodiment of the recess
1504 having a semi-circular shape.
[0147] FIG. 17 also shows a fitting 1510 connected to a membrane of
the air bladder 14B at an outlet 1512. The fitting 1510 can be a
connector that fluidly connects the air bladder 14B to the hose
1508 (shown in FIG. 15). As illustrated in FIG. 17, a surface 1514
of the foam material 1502 that defines the recess 1504 is spaced
from the outlet 1502 and the fitting 1504 positioned therein.
[0148] FIG. 18 is a schematic top view of another embodiment of an
example air bed system 1500A. The air bed system 1500A can be
similar to the air bed system 1500 (shown in FIG. 15) except the
air bed system 1500A has a recess 1504A with a different shape than
that of the recess 1504 (shown in FIG. 15). The recess 1504A can be
a long and relatively narrow channel extending along some or all of
an edge of a foam material 1502A.
[0149] FIG. 19 is a schematic end view of the air bladder 14B with
the foam material 1502A positioned therein. FIG. 19 shows the
fitting 1510 and the outlet 1512 aligned with the recess 1504A. In
some embodiments, the recess 1504A can be substantially vertically
centered with respect to the foam material 1502A. In other
embodiments, the recess 1504A can be positioned near or at a top
and/or bottom surface of the foam material 1502A. In some of such
embodiments, the fitting 1510 and the outlet 1512 can be aligned
with the recess 1504A.
[0150] FIG. 20 is a top view of an end of the air bladder 14B with
the foam material 1502 therein. In some embodiments, the foam
material 1502 can compress in a way that allows a membrane of the
air bladder 14B to become slack, which can allow the fitting 1510
to turn. This can result in a portion of the air bladder 14B to
become aligned with the outlet 1512 and the fitting 1510 and
restrict air flow there-through. In some of such embodiments, one
or more features can be included to create space for air flow to
and through the outlet 1512.
[0151] FIG. 21 is a side view of a fitting element 1516 having
spacers 1518. The spacers 1518 can extend from the fitting element
1516 to space material away from the fitting element 1516 to
facilitate air flow there-through. In some embodiments, the fitting
element can have a nipple 1520 or other attachment feature
extending from a base 1522. The spacers 1518 can extend from the
base 1522 in a direction opposite of the nipple 1520. The fitting
element 1516 can define a hole 1524 extending through the nipple
1520 and the base 1522 for allowing flow of air or another
fluid.
[0152] The fitting element 1516 can be used as part of the fitting
1510 with the nipple 1520 extending through the outlet 1512 to
connect to a source outside of the air bladder 14B. The base 1522
can be sized with a diameter larger than that of the nipple 1520 so
as to be retained in an interior portion of the air bladder 14B.
The spacers 1518 can space the fitting element 1516 and the outlet
1512 away from foam material positioned in the air bladder 14B. The
spacers 1518 can also space the fitting element 1516 and the outlet
1512 away from an inner surface of a membrane of the air bladder
14B, which can be useful in embodiments in which the air bladder
14B becomes slack and allow the fitting 1510 to turn.
[0153] In some embodiments, the spacers 1518 can be a plurality of
projections extending from a disc-shaped portion of the base 1522.
In other embodiments, the fitting element 1516 can have more or
fewer spacers 1518 than as illustrated. For example, the fitting
element 1516 could have a single spacer 1518 that is sized and
shaped to keep material way from 1524. In some embodiments, the
spacers 1518 can take the form of one or more standoffs, ribs,
and/or fins.
[0154] In some embodiments, the fitting element 1516 with one or
more spacers 1518 can be used with embodiments the air bladder 14B
having a recess in foam material, such as recesses 1504 and 1504A.
The spacers 1518 and recess can function together to increase air
flow into and out of the air bladder.
[0155] In other embodiments, foam material inside the air bladder
14B can be spaced via one or more spacers 1518 without recesses
1504 and 1504A formed in the foam material. While the fitting
element 1516 is illustrated with an example shape and
configuration, in some embodiments the shape and configuration of
the fitting element 1516 can be modified as suitable for the
application.
[0156] In operation, when the air bladder 14B is under internal
pressure, the fitting element 1516 can be pushed outward from the
foam, which can create a natural air gap free from restriction
between the fitting element 1516 and foam material (such as foam
material 1502 and 1502A). During inflation, the foam material can
rebound from a compressed state and push outward on a membrane of
the air bladder 14B as the foam material expands. This can create a
vacuum with a tendency to pull air into the air bladder 14B,
through the fitting element 1516, when a connected valve (such as a
valve in the controller 31) is opened. This vacuum has the
potential to pull the fitting element 1516 up against foam material
to create a restricted air flow condition that limits the
volumetric flow of air into the air bladder 14B. This could create
a negative user experience as the air bed slowly refreshes. In
embodiments having one or more spacers 1518 on the fitting element
1516, those spacers 1518 can create a gap to increase air flow. In
embodiments having a foam recess (such as the recesses 1504 and
1504A), such a recess can create a gap to increase air flow.
[0157] A number of embodiments of the inventions have been
described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various
modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. For example, in some embodiments the bed
need not include pressure sensing systems. Additionally, different
aspects of the different embodiments of mattresses, air bladders,
passages and other bed system components described above can be
combined with other aspects as suitable for the application.
Moreover, the process 1400 described above is just one example
process, which can be varied from that described. For example, in
some processes the bed system need not be fully inflated, but
rather, only partially inflated. Accordingly, other embodiments are
within the scope of the following claims.
Embodiments of FIGS. 22-29
[0158] A substrate, such as a mattress, and methods for controlling
the firmness of the substrate are described below. The substrate
can include a compressible foam core disposed within a fluid
bladder and a pressure-controlled valve allowing fluid
communication between the environment and the interior of the fluid
bladder and the foam core. In one embodiment, and in the absence of
a subject on the substrate, the pressure-controlled valve can
remain open, allowing the foam core to expand to its full extent
and the pressure within the fluid bladder to equalize with
atmospheric pressure for a base firmness. In another embodiment, a
check valve may be employed in combination with the
pressure-controlled valve, the check valve opening automatically in
the absence of pressure on the substrate and allowing the substrate
to fill to ambient pressure. Once a subject is detected on the
substrate, the pressure-controlled valve (or both valves) can
close, setting the base firmness, until a request is received to
modify the firmness of the substrate.
[0159] This request to modify the firmness of the substrate can be
generated by the subject through use of an application on a remote
device or be automatically generated in response to the subject
being identified on the substrate. To modify the firmness to either
a requested firmness or an identity-specific firmness, the
pressure-controlled valve can be opened only for a time period
sufficient to soften the substrate to the requested firmness or the
identity-specific firmness. After the subject is detected as absent
from the substrate, the pressure-controlled valve, or if present,
the check valve, can reopen to restore the base firmness. These
methods are implemented without the need for a pump as part of the
substrate.
[0160] FIG. 22 is a diagram of a computing and communications
system 100' in accordance with implementations of this disclosure.
The computing and communications system 100' can include one or
more computing devices 102', one or more access points 104', and
one or more networks 106'. Although shown here as including a
single computing device 102', access point 104', and network 106',
the computing and communications system 100' can include any number
of computing and communication devices, access points, and
networks.
[0161] The computing device 102' can be any device or system
configured to perform wired or wireless communication. For example,
the computing device 102' can communicate indirectly with the
network 106' via the access point 104' using a combination of a
wired communication link 108' and wireless communication link 110'.
Although the computing device 102' is shown as a single unit, the
computing device 102' can include any number of interconnected
elements.
[0162] The access point 104' can be any type of device configured
to communicate with the computing device 102', the network 106', or
both, via wired or wireless communication links 108'/110'. For
example, the access point 104' can include a base station, a base
transceiver station (BTS), a Node-B, an enhanced Node-B (eNode-B),
a Home Node-B (HNode-B), a wireless router, a wired router, a hub,
a relay, a switch, or any similar wired or wireless device. The
access point 104' can communicate with the network 106' via a wired
communication link 108' as shown, or via a wireless communication
link, or a combination of wired and wireless communication links.
Although the access point 104' is shown as a single unit, the
access point 104' can include any number of interconnected
elements.
[0163] The network 106' can be any type of network configured to
provide services, such as voice, data, or any other communications
protocol or combination of communications protocols, over a wired
or wireless communication link. For example, the network 106' can
be a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), virtual
private network (VPN), a mobile or cellular telephone network, the
Internet, or any other means of electronic communication. The
network can use a communication protocol, such as the transmission
control protocol (TCP), the user datagram protocol (UDP), the
interne protocol (IP), the real-time transport protocol (RTP) the
Hyper Text Transport Protocol (HTTP), or a combination thereof.
[0164] FIG. 23 is a diagram of an exemplary computing and
communication device 200' in accordance with implementations of
this disclosure. For example, the computing device 102' shown in
FIG. 22 can be a computing and communication device 200' as shown
in FIG. 23. A computing and communication device 200' can include a
communication interface 210', a communication unit 220', a
processor 230', a memory 240', instructions 250', a power source
260', or any combination thereof. As used herein, the term
"computing device" includes any unit, or combination of units,
capable of performing any method, or any portion or portions
thereof, disclosed herein.
[0165] The computing and communication device 200' can be a
stationary computing device or a mobile computing device. For
example, the computing and communication device 200' can be a
personal computer (PC), a server, a workstation, a minicomputer, a
mainframe computer, a mobile telephone, a personal digital
assistant (PDA), a laptop, a tablet PC, or an integrated circuit.
Although shown as a single unit, any one or more elements of the
communication device 200' can be integrated into any number of
separate physical units.
[0166] The communication interface 210' can be a wireless antenna,
as shown, a wired communication port, such as an Ethernet port, an
infrared port, a serial port, or any other wired or wireless unit
capable of interfacing with a wired or wireless communication
medium 270'. The communication unit 220' can be configured to
transmit or receive signals via a wired or wireless communication
medium 270', such as radio frequency (RF), ultra violet (UV),
visible light, fiber optic, wire line, or a combination thereof.
Although FIG. 23 shows a single communication unit 220' and a
single communication interface 210', any number of communication
units and any number of communication interfaces can be used.
[0167] The processor 230' can include any device or system capable
of manipulating or processing a signal or other information, such
as optical processors, quantum processors, molecular processors, or
a combination thereof. For example, the processor 230' can include
a general purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a
conventional processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a
plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessor in
association with a DSP core, a controller, a micro controller, an
Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field
Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a programmable logic array,
programmable logic controller, microcode, firmware, any type of
integrated circuit (IC), a state machine, or any combination
thereof. As used herein, the term "processor" includes a single
processor or multiple processors. The processor can be operatively
coupled with the communication unit 220', the memory 240', the
instructions 250', the power source 260', or any combination
thereof.
[0168] The memory 240' can include any non-transitory
computer-usable or computer-readable medium, such as any tangible
device that can, for example, contain, store, communicate, or
transport the instructions 250', or any information associated
therewith, for use by or in connection with the processor 230'. The
non-transitory computer-usable or computer-readable medium can be,
for example, a solid state drive, a memory card, removable media, a
read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), any type of
disk including a hard disk, a floppy disk, an optical disk, a
magnetic or optical card, an application specific integrated
circuits (ASICs), or any type of non-transitory media suitable for
storing electronic information, or any combination thereof. The
memory 240' can be connected to, for example, the processor 230'
through, for example, a memory bus (not explicitly shown).
[0169] The instructions 250' can include directions for performing
any method, or any portion or portions thereof, disclosed here. The
instructions 250' can be implemented in hardware, software, or any
combination thereof. For example, the instructions 250' can be
implemented as information stored in the memory 240', such as a
computer program, that can be executed by the processor 230' to
perform any of the respective methods, algorithms, aspects, or
combinations thereof, as described here. The instructions 250', or
a portion thereof, can be implemented as a special purpose
processor, or circuitry, that can include specialized hardware for
carrying out any of the methods, algorithms, aspects, or
combinations thereof, as described herein. Portions of the
instructions 250' can be distributed across multiple processors on
the same machine or different machines or across a network such as
a local area network, a wide area network, the Internet, or a
combination thereof.
[0170] The power source 260' can be any suitable device for
powering the computing and communication device 200'. For example,
the power source 260' can include a wired power source; one or more
dry cell batteries, such as nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-zinc
(NiZn), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), lithium-ion (Li-ion); solar
cells; fuel cells; or any other device capable of powering the
communication device 200'. The communication interface 210', the
communication unit 220', the processor 230', the instructions 250',
the memory 240', or any combination thereof, can be operatively
coupled with the power source 260'.
[0171] Although not shown in FIG. 23, in some embodiments, the
computing and communication device 200' can include a user
interface (UI), which can be any unit capable of interfacing with a
user, such as a virtual or physical keypad, a touchpad, a display,
a touch display, a speaker, a microphone, a video camera, a sensor,
or any combination thereof. The UI can be operatively coupled with
the processor, as shown, or with any other element of the computing
and communication device 200', such as the power source 260'.
Although shown as a single unit, the UI can include one or more
physical units. For example, the UI can include an audio interface
for performing audio communication with a user, and a touch display
for performing visual and touch based communication with the
user.
[0172] FIG. 23 shows one exemplary configuration of a computing and
communication device 200' and is not meant to imply limitations
with respect to the embodiments. Other elements can be used in
addition to or in the place of the depicted elements, and the
computing and communication device 200' can be implemented on a
variety of hardware platforms and software environments, such as
various operating systems. Although shown as separate elements, the
communication interface 210', the communication unit 220, the
processor 230, the instructions 250', the power source 260', the
memory 240', the UI, or any combination thereof can be integrated
in one or more electronic units, circuits, or chips.
[0173] FIG. 24 is a schematic of a substrate 300' in a collapsed
condition in accordance with implementations of this disclosure.
The substrate 300' can include a foam core 302' disposed within a
fluid bladder 304'. The foam core 302' is shown as compressed in
the collapsed condition to allow for easy storage and
transportation of the substrate 300' based on the compact size. In
the example of FIG. 24, a band 306' is wrapped around the
compressed substrate 300' to facilitate keeping the substrate 300'
in the collapsed condition, though other means of holding the
substrate 300' in the collapsed condition are also possible.
[0174] FIG. 25 is a schematic of the substrate 300' of FIG. 24 in
transition from the collapsed condition to an expanded condition.
In FIG. 25, the band 306' has been removed from the substrate 300',
for example, by a user, and the foam core 302' within the substrate
300' is in process of expanding as the substrate 300' unrolls.
Additionally, a valve 400' is shown disposed at one edge of the
substrate 300'. The valve 400' has an open position allowing fluid
communication between atmosphere and an interior of the fluid
bladder 304' and the foam core 302' and a closed position blocking
fluid communication between atmosphere and the interior of the
fluid bladder 304 and the foam core 302'. In other words, when the
valve 400' is open, air can enter and exit the fluid bladder 304'
to facilitate expansion and compression of the foam core 302'.
[0175] FIG. 26 is a side view of the substrate 300' of FIG. 25 in
the expanded condition during the process of automatically
achieving a base firmness equalized with atmospheric pressure. In
this example, the substrate 300' has been installed on a frame, or
a foundation 500', for use as a mattress. To achieve base firmness
in the absence of any subjects or objects on the substrate 300',
the valve 400' is set to the open position, allowing fluid
communication between the atmosphere and the interior of the fluid
bladder 304' and the foam core 302'. The fluid bladder 304' can be
sized to have a surface area substantially as large as the surface
area of the foundation 500'. For example, the fluid bladder 304'
can have a surface area substantially as large as a king-size,
queen-size, full, twin, or other sized mattress.
[0176] In the example of FIG. 26 where the fluid is air, arrows are
shown indicating the direction of flow into the open valve 400'
with the air expanding the foam core 302' within the fluid bladder
304' to a point of equilibrium, that is, to a point where the
pressure inside the fluid bladder 304' becomes equal to atmospheric
pressure. Achieving base firmness can include allowing fluid to
enter the valve 400' when atmospheric pressure is above that
present within the fluid bladder 304' or allowing fluid to exit the
valve 400' when atmospheric pressure is below that present within
the fluid bladder. Additionally, fixing the base firmness of the
fluid bladder 304' can include closing the valve 400' once the
pressure inside and outside of the fluid bladder 304' has
equalized.
[0177] FIG. 27 is a side view of the substrate 300' of FIG. 26 in a
use condition during the process of achieving a requested firmness.
In this example, the use condition is indicated based on a subject
600' lying on top of the substrate 300'. The presence of the
subject 600' can be detected on the substrate 300', for example, by
a non-intrusive monitoring apparatus. In some embodiments, the
non-intrusive monitoring apparatus can include one or more pressure
sensors within the fluid bladder 304' and in communication with the
valve 400'.
[0178] The non-intrusive monitoring apparatus can be configured to
detect an action or condition of the subject 600', such as
presence, movement, position, or vital signs. Incident pressure
waves caused by shifting body weight in response to cardiopulmonary
activity can induce a change in pressure that can be detected and
measured by the pressure sensors. Vital signs capable of being
monitored can include a heart rate, a respiration rate, a position
of, and any movement of the subject 600'.
[0179] Once the presence of the subject 600' is detected, the
firmness of the substrate 300' can be set to the base firmness
equalized with atmospheric pressure, by, for example, closing the
valve 400' immediately after presence of the subject 600' is
detected. After the base firmness is fixed, the process of
achieving the requested firmness can include opening the valve 400'
to allow fluid to either enter or exit the fluid bladder 304' based
on a pressure value associated with the requested firmness.
[0180] Though a single valve 400' is shown in FIGS. 25-27, the
substrate 300' can be configured to include a pair of valves, one
being a pressure-controlled valve and one being a single-direction
check valve. As the subject 600' puts pressure on the substrate
300', for example, by entering a bed by lying on a mattress, the
check valve can close and the pressure-controlled valve can be then
engaged to achieve the requested firmness by any of the methods
described below. When the subject 600' leaves the substrate 300',
the check valve can open automatically to restore the substrate
300' to base firmness equalized with ambient pressure.
[0181] Several different methods of implementing the requested
firmness for the substrate 300' are possible. In one method, the
non-intrusive monitoring apparatus can receive a request from an
external device 602', such as a remote device or a mobile device,
via a wired or wireless communication link to implement the
requested firmness. In this example, the non-intrusive monitoring
apparatus can include a monitoring controller in the form of a
computing and communication device, such as the computing and
communication device 102' shown in FIG. 22 or the computing and
communication device 200' shown in FIG. 23, that can be configured
to communicate with the external device 602' via a wired or
wireless communication link. For example, the monitoring controller
can receive a signal indicating a desired pressure for the fluid
bladder 304' and can control the valve 400' to open or close to
change the pressure in the fluid bladder 304' to match the desired
pressure and achieve the requested firmness.
[0182] In another method, the external device 602' can serve as the
monitoring controller and can be configured to communicate with an
opening and closing mechanism within the valve 400' and with one or
more pressure sensors within the fluid bladder 304'. In this
example, signals related to the requested firmness can be
transmitted from the external device 602' to the opening and
closing mechanism within the valve 400' based on pressure values
received from the one or more pressure sensors within the fluid
bladder 304'.
[0183] In another method, the subject 600' on the substrate 300'
can be identified, for example, based on a profile associated with
the subject 600'. The profile can be associated with an application
running on the external device 602', and an identity-specific
firmness associated with the profile can be made available to the
monitoring controller for implementation once the subject 600' is
identified as present on the substrate 300'. In other words, if the
subject 600' is identified as present on the substrate 300', for
example, based on a pressure profile or on the presence of a
specific external device 602', and a profile including an
identity-specific firmness is available for that subject 600', the
monitoring controller can open the valve 400' to modify the
firmness to the identity-specific firmness based on the
profile.
[0184] The external device 602' can include applications configured
to receive pressure signals from the sensors within the fluid
bladder 304' and to perform pattern recognition, or other
calculations, based on the pressure signals to determine the
position, heart rate, respiratory rate, or other bio-signal
properties or conditions associated with the subject 600'. For
example, the heart rate can be identified based on a portion of the
signal that has a frequency in the range of 0.5-4.0 Hz and the
respiration rate can be identified based on a portion of the signal
has a frequency in the range of less than 1 Hz. This information
can be made accessible to the subject 600' or another user in the
form of text messages, a data log, a print-out, an alert, or any
other display means sufficient to allow the user to monitor the
information.
[0185] FIG. 28 shows an example of system architecture for
monitoring a subject, such as the subject 600' shown in FIG. 27,
using a non-intrusive monitoring apparatus in accordance with
implementations of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the
non-intrusive monitoring apparatus may include or be in
communication with one or more pressure sensors 700'. In some
embodiments, the pressure sensors 700' associated with the
substrate 300' can include pillow pressure sensors and other
pressures sensors to indicate that additional pressure measurements
can be made in association with the system for monitoring the
position of the subject.
[0186] Each sensor in the group of pressure sensors 700' can
communicate with a signal conditioner 710'. The signal conditioner
710' can analyze the data and/or signals captured by each sensor in
the group of pressure sensors 700' by, for example, amplifying,
filtering noise, and configuring the data and/or signals for use by
a micro controller 720'. The micro controller 720' can receive the
conditioned pressure signals from the group of pressure sensors
700' and can perform pattern recognition, or other calculations,
based on the conditioned pressure signals to determine the
position, heart rate, respiratory rate, or other bio-signal
properties or conditions associated with the subject. The micro
controller 720' can send information, such as information
indicating the parameters of the subject, such as the position,
heart rate, and respiratory rate, to the external device 602' of
FIG. 27 using a communication link 730'. The communication link can
be any type of wired or wireless communication link such as the
communications links 108', 110' described in respect to FIG.
22.
[0187] FIG. 29 is a flowchart detailing an example process 800' of
automatic firmness control in accordance with implementations of
this disclosure. In step 802' of the process 800', the presence of
a subject can be detected on a substrate, such as the subject 600'
on the substrate 300' as shown in FIG. 27. Detecting the presence
of the subject 600' can include a computing device, such as the
monitoring controller or the external device 602' described in
respect to FIG. 27, receiving an indication indicative of a
pressure increase within the fluid bladder 304' of the substrate
300'.
[0188] For example, one or more sensors, such as the pressure
sensor(s) 700' described in FIG. 28, can measure incident pressure
waves within the fluid bladder 304'. The sensors can then send the
generated signals to the monitoring controller and/or external
device 602'. In some embodiments, the presence determination can be
based on the magnitude of the pressure signals. For example, a
smaller object, such as a cat or a suitcase, would create pressure
signals of lower magnitude than the subject 600' lying on the
substrate 300'. In some embodiments, the monitoring controller or
the external device 602' can determine that a different subject is
on the substrate 300'. For example, the pressure signals can differ
in pattern or magnitude than previously stored pressure signals for
the subject 600' associated with the substrate 300'.
[0189] In step 804' of the process 800', and in response to
detection of the presence of the subject, the firmness of the
substrate can be set to a base firmness equalized with atmospheric
pressure. For example, as described in reference to FIGS. 26-27,
setting the firmness of the substrate 300' to the base firmness
includes setting the valve 400' to a closed position as soon as
presence of the subject 600' is detected. Since the valve 400' was
previously open in the absence of the subject 600', the pressure
within the fluid bladder 304' was equalized with atmospheric
pressure. Closing the valve 400' sets the firmness of the substrate
300' at this base firmness.
[0190] In step 806 of the process 800', a request can be received
to modify the firmness of the substrate, for example, to a
requested firmness or an identity-specific firmness. The request
can be received from the external device 602' of FIG. 28 through
the subject's 600' use of an application on the external device
602' configured to allow control of the firmness of the substrate
300'. Alternatively, the request can be based on the subject 600'
being both identified and present on the substrate 300' as
determined automatically by the monitoring controller or the
external device 602', for example, in association with a profile of
the subject 602' where an identity-specific firmness for the
substrate 300' is pre-set by the subject 602'.
[0191] In step 808' of the process 800', and in response to
receiving the request to modify the firmness of the substrate, the
firmness of the substrate can be modified to, for example, the
requested firmness or the identity-specific firmness. For example,
as described in reference to FIGS. 26-27, setting the firmness of
the substrate 300' to the requested firmness or the
identity-specific firmness includes setting the valve 400' to the
open position only for a predetermined time period. The
predetermined time period is that sufficient to lower the pressure
within the fluid bladder 304' and compress the foam core 302' to
reduce the firmness of the substrate 300' to the requested firmness
or the identity-specific firmness. In the above examples, the
requested firmness and the identity-specific firmness are softer
than the base firmness, as the substrate 300' does not include a
pump to increase pressure within the fluid bladder 304 above
atmospheric pressure. However, in other embodiments, the substrate
can include a pump, and the requested firmness or the
identity-specific firmness can be firmer than the base
firmness.
[0192] In step 810' of the process 800', the absence of a subject
can be detected on a substrate, as would be the case with the empty
substrate 300' shown in FIG. 26. Detecting the absence of the
subject 600' can include a computing device, such as the monitoring
controller or the external device 602' described in respect to FIG.
27, receiving an indication indicative of a pressure decrease
within the fluid bladder 304' of the substrate 300' immediately
upon the subject 300' exiting the substrate 300'. The pressure
decrease can have a magnitude associated with the subject 600' or
can exceed a threshold sufficient to indicate that the subject 600'
has vacated the substrate 300'.
[0193] In step 812' of the process 800', and in response to
detection of the absence of the subject, the firmness of the
substrate can be restored to the base firmness. For example, as
described in reference to FIGS. 26-27, restoring the firmness of
the substrate 300' to the base firmness includes setting the valve
400' to the open position such that the foam core 302' fully
expands within the fluid bladder 304' and equilibrium with
atmospheric pressure is attained within the fluid bladder 304'. In
the embodiment where two valves are employed, one
pressure-controlled valve and one single-direction check valve,
restoring the firmness of the substrate 300' can occur
automatically when the check valve opens in the absence of the
subject 600'. After step 812', the process 800' can end or repeat
by starting again at step 802'.
[0194] While the embodiments have been described in connection with
what is presently considered to be the most practical examples, it
is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to
these examples but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various
modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the
spirit and scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be
accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such
modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the
law.
* * * * *